Snoring Can Be Dangerous

Because snoring is so common, it is a condition that can be ignored. Right? Wrong. Even though most people take no action to solve their snoring problem, the fact remains that snoring is often linked to a very serious health condition known as sleep apnea.

While it isn’t the cause for all patients who seek help from their dentists, having undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea can cause all sorts of health risks. Of course for some patients, snoring may be a result of something less serious, but sleep apnea cannot be ruled out unless proper testing (a sleep study or polysomnogram) and examinations have been completed.

The most common symptoms of sleep apnea are fatigue and restlessness experienced throughout the day.

Why Do I Snore?

Each patient will present a unique combination of factors that cause snoring; however, snoring often occurs because the soft tissues in the throat, along with the soft palate, vibrate due to airway restriction. The tissues involved include the following:

• Tongue
• Soft palate
• Uvula
• Tonsils
• Adenoids
• Excessive fatty tissues within the throat

Although other factors such as sleeping position, a cold or other illness may cause you to snore, if you find that you are snoring on a regular basis, it is time to consult with Dr. Johnson. Dr. Johnson is trained to address and properly treat snoring. Remember, snoring affects not only you, but those around you, especially if your snoring is loud.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea – A Possible Link

While not every patient who suffers from nightly snoring also suffers from sleep apnea, snoring is a sign of possible sleep apnea. Knowing whether you suffer from sleep apnea will make finding the snoring treatment you require much easier. Those patients who snore as a result of sleep apnea often need treatment focused on treating sleep apnea, as opposed to simple snoring.

Snore No More!

If you have sleep apnea, simply masking the snoring with a snoring device is not enough.

If you are unsure whether you have sleep apnea or if you’re looking to find the proper device to treat snoring, be sure to schedule an appointment with Dr. Johnson to determine the best course of action. Dr. Johnson has experience working with patients who suffer from sleep apnea, as well as those who snore at night. He will help you obtain the proper testing and diagnosis with the help of trained medical professionals.

The most common symptoms of sleep apnea are fatigue and restlessness throughout the day. These symptoms occur because your body has been deprived of restful sleep. Because airflow is blocked, the body is deprived of oxygen. Thus, the brain alerts your body to wake up, although you may not be consciously aware that is happening. The result is that you are constantly tired and may even be falling asleep at inappropriate times.

You may have the best intentions of sleeping 8 hours a night and you may even be in bed for 8 hours, but it doesn’t always mean that you’re sleeping.

Heard enough? If you are always tired, and you believe that you suffer from sleep apnea, please call today.