subject: Sleep Apnea And Snoring- Put An End To Harmful Sleep Habits [print this page] Have you ever been told that you snore in your sleep? Has anyone ever woken you up because you stopped breathing for a brief moment? When you snore in your sleep, it means that your lungs are not getting as much oxygen as they need. When breathing becomes partially or completely obstructed, a potentially life-threatening condition known as sleep apnea is present. The next time you are told you snore, don't get embarrassed. Talk to your dentist about an evaluation for sleep apnea.
Snoring is such a common problem that people tend to under-rate its seriousness. Disrupted sleep on an on-going basis can affect the physical well-being of both the snorer and partner alike. ENT specialists are not the only ones to treat snoring; a dentist who is trained in sleep apnea can evaluate you for a special oral appliance for sleeping. Oral appliances have been effective for many people who snore, including those suffering from mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
What are Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is the cessation of breathing during sleep and is a common problem that affects both adults and children. Certain sleep apnea types can be treated by your dentist or oral surgeon. The National Institutes of Health estimate that more than 12 million Americans have sleep apnea, most often undetected or misdiagnosed. Additionally, it is estimated that only 16 percent of sleep apnea sufferers actually receive treatment as untreated sleep apnea affects your well-being. It may contribute to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and erectile dysfunction, as well as to memory and concentration impairment. Since sleep apnea reduces the quality of your sleep and contributes to daytime sleepiness, driving becomes more dangerous. Sleep apnea is in fact one of the leading cause of car accidents.
What Causes Snoring and Sleep Apnea?
When you are asleep, the muscles and soft tissues in your throat and mouth relax. The lower jaw and tongue drop back, blocking the airway opening. As the airway narrows, there is an increase in the velocity of air flowing through your airway when you breathe. This causes the tissues in your mouth begin to vibrate, which results in snoring. The sound you hear when someone snores is actually the sound of the tissues in your mouth and throat vibrating.
In severe cases, the collapse of the upper airway is so complete that the lungs may not receive oxygen for up to 30 seconds, which is referred to as obstructive sleep apnea. In response to the deprivation of oxygen, your body triggers an internal alarm, which partially wakes you up. This is usually accompanied by loud gasps for air that can last for 3 seconds or more until you fall asleep and the cycle begins again. Snoring can also be affected by diet, health, lifestyle, age, weight, environment and other factors.
If you snore or someone you know snores, visit your dentist in Lombard today for further consultation. Oral appliances are comfortable, FDA approved, and easy to wear so that you can end your snoring problems and achieve a better night's sleep.
