Men May Be More Likely To Develop Sleep Apnea

We have all heard family members, friends, and sleeping partners snore away at night, but for the most part men snore a bit more than women. One of the reasons experienced sleep dentists and scientists believe men snore more than women is testosterone.

Men are exposed to testosterone for their entire lives and as a result, their throats and necks are more developed than women. This means men's chances of snoring and developing sleep disorders like Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is more likely than women.

Snoring occurs when the soft tissues of the throat close during sleep; when air moves past these tissues into the lungs, creates a vibrating sound, commonly referred to as snoring. Snoring is also a common sleep apnea symptom.

Sleep is one of the most vital parts of your life because it allows your body and mind to rejuvenate. When you suffer from sleep apnea, your body and brain are not allowed to reach the deep, necessary sleep you need. Sleep apnea temporarily closes your airways, preventing the lungs from receiving oxygen. As a result, the brain momentarily wakes the body so you can get the needed oxygen.

Sleep apnea can be dangerous because the body loses its ability to repair itself, stressing it over time. Some of the biggest dangers of sleep apnea include a higher risk of blood clots, obesity, and diabetes.

If you believe that you, your husband, or any other male in your family is suffering from serious snoring or sleep apnea, please contact Gurnee, Illinois sleep dentist, Dr. Ira Shapira to schedule your sleep evaluation.