Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk factors include:
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Excessive alcohol use
- Narcotics
A family history of the disorder, being male, and being over the age of 40 can also increase risks for sleep apnea, though many of the risk factors for OSA are a result of personal choices. This means that, in addition to the sleep apnea treatments offered by Houston dentist Dr. Ronald Konig, lifestyle changes may be a necessary part of eliminating the disorder.
Changing Your Habits to Improve the Quality of Your Sleep
The easiest way to reduce your risk of developing OSA is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Shifting habits after OSA has developed can also assist treatments like the MicrO₂® sleep and snore device in their efficacy by addressing those factors contributing to the severity of your sleep apnea.
Easy and effective ways to assist in your sleep apnea treatment include:
- Reducing your intake of alcoholic beverages
- Refraining from narcotic use
- Eating a well-balanced diet
- Getting at least 90 minutes of moderate exercise weekly
If you are a smoker, quitting is essential for effective sleep apnea treatment. Smoking will complicate even the most aggressive treatment modalities and may render useless any effort to reduce symptoms.
Quitting is not always easy, but it will have a profound impact on every aspect of your life including a reduction in risks for gum disease, oral cancer, chronic bad breath, untreatable tooth staining, and other oral health and beauty issues. The benefits of quitting smoking can be discussed in more detail during your sleep apnea treatment consultation at our Houston office.
If you are struggling with poor sleep quality, our Houston sleep apnea dentist may be able to help. Please contact Konig Center for Cosmetic & Comprehensive Dentistry to schedule your initial consultation and learn more.
