Sleep Apnea has many causes:

• Nasal obstruction from a deviated septum, a nasal fracture, allergies in the nose, or chronic sinus infections.
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids, an enlarged uvula (the back part of the throat).
• The position of the jaw which can push the tongue backwards and or upwards causing a collapse while asleep.
• A narrowing or swelling of the larynx caused by acid reflux.

 

Other more rare and unusual causes include abnormalities from birth, such as: an unusually large tongue, a small mouth and jaw, or abnormal vocal cords. Very rarely, tumors in the neck or chest can cause a narrowing of the airway and produce symptoms similar to sleep apnea. In children, by far, the most common causes of sleep apnea are obesity and enlarged tonsils and adenoids.

 

WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN WHEN WE SLEEP?

As we fall asleep, there is a relaxation of the muscles in the body including the muscles of the throat. If the air passage is narrowed by one of the conditions listed above, then there can be narrowing or complete collapse during sleep. This is usually worse when sleeping on the back because gravity tends to push the tongue back in the throat.

Alcohol, certain foods, and drugs can also make sleep apnea worse. Narcotic pain killers, sleeping pills, and other “sedative” drugs cause muscle relaxation and consequently a narrowing and possible temporary collapse of the airway.

Eating a heavy meal, or a meal that can cause acid reflux can also make sleep apnea worse. Alcohol, caffeine, fatty foods, acidic and spicy foods all can cause reflux, and in turn sleep apnea.

 

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