More and more of my clients are diagnosed with sleep apnea. It really makes me wonder what is going on. Sleep apnea was unheard of only twenty years ago. Though it no doubt existed, especially in those prone to snoring, it was not an epidemic. I don’t think it is just a matter of better diagnosis.

Sleep apnea is caused when the soft tissue at the back of the throat relax and block the air pathway. I keep wondering why the glottis is sliding back into the trachea preventing adequate airflow when sleeping – even in young people? I have a few theories:

1. Obesity apparently plays a role as sleep apnea is more common in the obese. Is it the pressure of fatty tissues in the throat area?
2. Many people with Lyme Disease suffer sleep apnea. Are the fascial tissues of the throat damaged causing lax, incorrect positioning of the glottis?
3. Is the vagus nerve, which controls the muscles of the neck and larynx, not functioning properly? Is it infected, irritated, inflamed?
4. Thyroid problems are rampant these days. Is the thyroid gland contributing to the blockage?
5. Is the part of the brain that controls our body’s natural paralysis state for deep sleep mis-programmed, anesthetizing the glottis so it doesn’t move properly?
6. People with mold poisoning often suffer sleep apnea. Is the infected hypothalamus misrelating the sleep cycles?
7. Is there an undiagnosed seizure disorder? Is electromagnetic smog contributing?
8. Are other tissues or joints lax? Are there protein or nutritional deficiencies?

Take Home

If you suffer sleep apnea, look into some of these potential causes. Sleep apnea is a symptom.  It is dangerous to your health.  Don’t be satisfied with a band-aid!