Health Information
Sleep Apnea
Cause
Obstructive sleep apnea usually occurs when the throat
muscles and tongue relax during sleep and partially or completely Reference block the
airway Opens New Window Reference 
Opens New Window. When you stop breathing or have reduced flow of air into your lungs
during sleep, the amount of oxygen in your blood decreases briefly.
Bone deformities, enlarged tissues
Obstructive sleep apnea can also occur if you have bone deformities or Reference enlarged tissues in your nose, mouth, or throat. For example, you may have enlarged Reference tonsils Opens New Window. During the day when you are awake and standing up, this may not cause problems. But when you lie down at night, the tonsils can press down on your airway, narrowing it and causing sleep apnea.
In children, the main cause of sleep apnea is large
Reference tonsils or adenoids Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window.
Other causes
Other things that may contribute to sleep apnea include:
- Drinking alcohol, which affects the part of the brain that controls breathing. This may relax the breathing muscles and cause a narrowing of the airway and sleep apnea.
- Reference Obesity Opens New Window. Fat in the neck area can press down on the tissues around the airways. This narrows the airways and can cause sleep apnea. About 7 out of 10 people who have sleep apnea are obese.Reference 1
- Some medicines that are taken for conditions such as allergies, long-term pain, insomnia, or anxiety. These medicines, such as Reference narcotics Opens New Window, can also relax the muscles and tissues in the throat, causing it to narrow.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
