Why Do Young People Get Sleep Apnea?

When you think about sleep apnea, you might picture an older adult hooked up to a CPAP machine since that’s the imagery presented in a lot of commercials. But the truth is, depending on diet or exercise habits, young people are susceptible to sleep apnea as well. Thus, it’s important to understand the symptoms of sleep apnea and how to seek potential treatment to avoid more serious health conditions.

Potential Causes of Sleep Apnea in Young People

Sleep apnea, although commonly associated with older adults, can also affect young people due to several reasons. Lifestyle choices such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and excessive screen time can lead to obesity, a significant risk factor for sleep apnea. Other causes include enlarged tonsils or adenoids, which physically block the airway during sleep, and certain medical and genetic conditions that affect the muscles and nerves involved in breathing. It’s important to note that the use of alcohol and tobacco can exacerbate the condition.

What Happens If You Leave Sleep Apnea Untreated?

Leaving sleep apnea untreated can lead to a range of serious health complications. These include high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, pre-diabetes and diabetes, and depression. Untreated sleep apnea can also be responsible for poor performance in everyday activities, such as at work and school, motor vehicle crashes, or underachievement in children and adolescents. Therefore, if you suspect you may have sleep apnea, it is crucial to seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Treating Sleep Apnea

It’s important for young people to be aware of their risk for sleep apnea and to seek treatment if necessary. This can involve visiting a doctor or sleep specialist for diagnosis and developing a personalized treatment plan.

Fortunately, there are effective treatments for sleep apnea that can improve overall health and quality of life. These include lifestyle changes such as losing weight and avoiding alcohol and tobacco, as well as medical interventions like using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine during sleep.

If you need to speak to a sleep apnea specialist, you can schedule a consultation with us today. Dr. Hu has a proven track record in treating snoring and sleep apnea ranging from mild to severe.