Most people are aware of sleep disorders and are familiar with sleep apnea. Often, people with sleep apnea fail to take the necessary measures to prevent or diagnose it. Even though you cannot prevent sleep apnea, you can decrease the chance of it becoming worse.

You can get a proper diagnosis by undergoing a home sleep study test, and then visit a doctor to help you get your sleep disorder under control. If you do get diagnosed with sleep apnea, do you know what caused you to develop it? Let’s take a look at the common causes of sleep apnea.

1. Genetics

Does one or more of your family members suffer from sleep apnea or another sleep disorder? If one or both parents have a sleep disorder, chances of you developing it increase. Some genetic factors said to attribute to people developing a sleep disorder include the shape of the neck, cleft lip, and down syndrome due to the way it influences the tongue and facial bones. For your respiratory system to function properly, your airways need to clear.

2. Obesity

Excess weight can increase your risk of developing sleep apnea, resulting in breathing difficulty at night. If your sleep apnea is due to another cause, you may gain weight if it remains untreated. Your body requires adequate amounts of sleep to function properly. If your sleep apnea is preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep, you may gain weight. Sleep apnea can reduce the effects of leptin, which is a weight reducing compound in your body. For this reason, getting a sleep apnea test is important.

3. Age and Gender

The older you get, the higher your risk of developing a sleep disorder gets. Men are at a higher risk of developing sleep apnea than women. Age can cause your upper airways to stiffen in your sleep. This occurs because your brain is unable to relax the muscles during sleep. You can prevent this by maintaining a healthy diet and workout routine. You should also do some mental exercises that keep your mind sharp.

4. Endocrine Disorders

There is a connection between sleep apnea and endocrine disorders such as acromegaly and hypothyroidism. By treating these disorders, it may stop a person’s sleep apnea from worsening. These disorders also influence the shape of the neck and hormone levels. If you suspect you may suffer from sleep apnea because you have an endocrine disorder, get a home sleep test.

5. Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking can cause inflammation in your throat and swelling in your upper airway. It can also worsen the symptoms of sleep apnea. Failing to get a home sleep study test and going undiagnosed may lead you to develop the habit of smoking.

This could be due to the stress you experience each day due to a lack of sleeping you are receiving at night. Alcohol is another substance that can increase your risk of developing sleep apnea because it relaxes the muscles in your throat.

Consider getting a home sleep study test if you fit into one or more of the categories above that increase your chances of developing it.