Sleep and Aging
Frequently Asked Questions
19. How can you reduce your risk for sleep apnea?
Obesity is the number one risk factor for sleep apnea, and you may be able to reduce your risk for sleep apnea by maintaining an appropriate weight. If you are not overweight, try to maintain an appropriate weight through proper diet and exercise. Limit alcohol intake and avoid taking sedative medications that can increase the number of sleep apnea episodes you have each night and can make sleep apnea worse. Heavy smokers are more likely to develop sleep apnea than nonsmokers. If you smoke, quit.