What You Need to Know About Snoring

If you’ve accepted snoring as a part of your life – whether as a snorer or the partner of one – it’s time for a new outlook. Snoring isn’t normal and can be indicative of a bigger issue. So, don’t just accept it, take action for a better night’s sleep.

What Causes Snoring?

There’s more to snoring than the loud rumbling. Snoring starts in the back of the throat. A you breathe in, air passes over soft tissue, including the back of your tongue and the uvula. When snoring occurs, that soft tissue obstructs the air, causing commotion and the inability to complete a full breath.

Why Is Snoring Dangerous?

Snoring becomes more worrisome when it turns into obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is the cessation of breath for at least 10 seconds several times an hour. The lack of oxygen to the brain and body can lead to serious health issues.

Sleep apnea can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, diabetes, chronic fatigue, hypertension, depression, and more.

Your Treatment Options

When it comes to managing your sleep apnea, you have options! While there is no cure, treatment can help you manage your symptoms. After ruling out all other sleep disorders, a qualified dentist will be able to fit you with a custom oral appliance. This will adjust your jaw and tongue to allow for better breath without the need of a large CPAP machine. However, CPAP machines are still a viable choice for many patients, as well as surgery for those who can’t tolerate an appliance nor a CPAP.

Do You Snore at Night?

Don’t ignore the signs! Find a trained dentist today to get you on the path to a silent night for a sound sleep.

Sleep Apnea Risks

There’s more to snoring than what meets the ears. Hidden behind the throaty sound could be a dangerous sleep disorder – sleep apnea.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a chronic sleep disorder that involves the cessation of breath for upwards of 10 seconds at least four times an hour. This means that your body is not receiving the proper amount of oxygen it needs to run efficiently during your sleep.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

Because you’re asleep during it, recognizing the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea isn’t always easy. Here are a few things you should look out for:

• Your partner complaining of your snoring and/or gasping
  

• Chronic fatigue and lethargy
  

• Morning headaches and fogginess
  

• Waking up abruptly overnight
  

Dangers of Sleep Apnea

The dangers of sleep apnea cannot be stressed enough. Snoring is not normal. Due to the stress of sleep apnea on the body, including a lack of oxygen, you are at a higher risk of heart attack or stroke, diabetes, hypertension, getting into a car accident, and more. You’re not just having a restless night when you don’t treat sleep apnea, you’re putting your life on hold.

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

There’s a process to diagnosing sleep apnea. Your trained dentist will want to rule out any other sleep disorders, so you’ll undergo a sleep study. This can be done in a sleep center or at home. This will show your dentist how you sleep, including when you stop breathing and for how long. From there, you’ll discuss treatment options.

Do You Suspect You Have Sleep Apnea?

There’s no reason to take the risk of not getting diagnosed. If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, it’s time to seek treatment. Contact a dentist today and get on the way to a better night’s sleep.