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Snoring can be loud and incredibly annoying for people who are trying to sleep nearby. It can result in many sleepless nights and elaborate revenge plans for many frustrated sleeping partners. People often ignore snoring, but it may be a sign of a more serious condition.
Snoring occurs when airflow is restricted while you sleep. Long-term or loud snoring increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Snoring may be prevented by losing weight and avoiding alcohol before bed. Our sleep apnea dentist in 21061 can provide treatment options if it keeps you awake or disrupts the sleep of your partner.
Besides the psychological effects of snoring, it can also negatively impact the quality of your life. Snoring is a symptom of a sleeping disorder called sleep apnea. The National Sleep Foundation estimates that snoring affects nearly 90 million Americans today. Over half of those people suffer from sleep apnea. However, snoring alone doesn’t necessarily mean you have a form of sleep apnea.
Snoring is often associated with a condition known as obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when something blocks part or all of your upper airway while you’re sleeping. Your breathing can become shallow or even stop temporarily. There may be times when you do not sleep well, but you may not be aware that it is happening. Additionally, the condition can decrease oxygen flow to the organs and lead to irregular heart rhythms.
These are some of the symptoms commonly associated with obstructive sleep apnea.
- Insomnia
- Having difficulty concentrating during the day.
- When you wake up, your mouth feels dry or you have a sore throat.
- Snoring loudly
- A sudden awakening accompanied by gasping or choking.
- Morning headaches
It’s extremely unlikely that sleep apnea can lead to death, and the symptoms won’t just cause you to stop breathing. However, OSA can increase your risk of potentially fatal health conditions, some of which may cause sudden death.
Having sleep-disordered breathing for a long period of time can have serious health consequences. It may increase the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. In addition, it can lead to depression and memory problems, increase daytime sleepiness, and increase the risk of accidents. Obstructive sleep apnea is not fatal on its own, but it can cause a number of problems that can threaten your life. For that reason, treating sleep apnea is vital to your health.
We are fortunate to be able to offer a wide range of treatment options for sleep apnea. For more information, please contact our dental office in Glen Burnie, MD.
