How does body position affect sleep apnea severity?

Sleeping on the back can exacerbate sleep apnea because this position tends to promote the collapse of the airway due to gravitational effects on the tongue and soft tissues in the throat. When an individual is supine (lying on their back), the tongue can fall back into the throat more easily, obstructing the airway and leading to more frequent apneas or hypopneas.

In contrast, sleeping on the side may help maintain an open airway and reduce the severity of apnea episodes. This is often recommended as a position for individuals with obstructive sleep apnea, as it can minimize airway obstruction. The position of the body indeed plays a significant role in the severity of sleep apnea, making it an important factor in management and treatment strategies.