subject: Don't Lose Sleep Because Of Snoring Or Sleep Apnea [print this page] During the holidays, you will often notice a family member sleeping on a chair or couch after a large meal. What is wrong with this is they may be snoring or could potentially stop breathing for those 10 seconds as a result of sleep apnea. Often if you snore, you should become aware of various kinds of discomfort, and potential life-threatening medical problems that may be at hand.
Many people do not think that snoring is a concern, but frequent, loud snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea, which is a common and potentially serious disorder in which your breathing repeatedly stops and starts as you sleep. Although sleep apnea is treatable, it may often go unrecognized, which can be dangerous and detrimental to your health. It is important to visit your dentist if you suspect that you may suffer from sleep apnea, or snoring. Your dentist has the ability to prescribe a dental device to help with the symptoms.
What is Sleep Apnea and How does it Affect You?
Sleep apnea is a disorder that affects the way that you breathe while you are sleeping. In untreated sleep apnea, breathing is interrupted or becomes very shallow while sleeping which can last between 10 to 20 seconds and can occur up to hundreds of times a night.
Untreated sleep apnea can result in daytime sleepiness, slow reflexes, poor concentration, and an increased risk of accidents. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to potentially serious health problems including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and even weight gain. With treatment, you can control the symptoms of sleep apnea and get your sleep back on track.
Symptoms of sleep apnea often include:
Morning headaches
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Irritability and impaired mental or emotional functioning
Excessive snoring, choking or gasping during sleep
Insomnia
Awakening with a dry mouth or sore mouth
Treatment for sleep apnea may include various dental appliances that reposition the lower jaw and the tongue. These have been proven to be helpful to some patients with mild sleep apnea or those who snore, but do not have sleep apnea.
Snoring and How it can Affect your Health
It is estimated that more than 30 million American adults snore on a regular basis. Snoring or gasping sounds are caused by the vibration of relaxed, floppy tissues that line the upper airway or throat. As you sleep, muscle tone decreases throughout your body and your throat muscles relax, which causes the soft palate and the uvula to vibrate as you breathe.
The severity of snoring varies from person to person. While it is not life threatening, it may interfere with a good night's sleep for you and those in your household. You can minimize snoring with the help of dental devices as well as:
Lose weight
Quit smoking
Get treatment for allergies
Limit or avoid alcohol use and sedatives
Sleep on your side instead of your back
If you experience any symptoms associated with snoring or sleep apnea, consult your San Mateo dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Your dentist can prescribe custom made oral appliances to help alleviate your symptoms and allow for a better night's sleep. Don't ignore your lack of sleep. Get treatment now and you can potentially prevent any further complications and rest peacefully.
