Weight loss is one of the first steps in the fight against sleep apnea. Similar to obesity, individuals with a large neck tend to have a more narrow upper airway. This can increase the chances of having an upper airway obstruction during the night. Generally, a large neck size would be a circumference greater than 17 inches for men and greater than 16 inches for women. Some people, even those who are not obese, naturally have a narrow upper airway.
Some tissues can be very large and cause an obstruction due to overcrowding.
Often those with a family history are at greater risk for having sleep apnea. This can result in intellectual deterioration or memory loss and difficulties concentrating. These symptoms can also result from the sleep deprivation caused by apnea. It is heartburn during sleep or the regurgitation of stomach acids during sleep. The awakening with GER is often associated with a sour taste in the mouth or a burning discomfort causing chest pain.