Snoring Relief
For many people, the only real danger of snoring is annoying their partner. But, for some, the risk of something serious – even having a heart attack – is a real possibility.
While snoring can simply be a sign that the airway is partially blocked, loud and frequent snoring can indicate the presence of obstructive sleep apnea. At least 12 to 18 million U.S. adults are affected by this condition, which causes breathing to suddenly stop during sleep anywhere from 10 seconds to more than a minute, in some cases. It occurs when the tongue and soft palate collapse onto the back of the throat, blocking the upper airway.
Numerous studies have shown that, if left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening condition that can increase the risk for serious health problems from congestive heart failure, stroke, high blood pressure and heart disease to diabetes, obesity, depression and impotence.
Why Snoring Can Cause a Heart Attack
Snoring is not just a nuisance – it can be a real danger. It may be a sign that something more serious is happening like obstructive sleep apnea. According to recent research, obstructive sleep apnea increases the risk of cardiovascular issues like hypertension, stroke, and yes, even heart attacks.
So why is snoring dangerous to your health? It really isn’t the snoring that is the problem – it is the cause of that snoring. Obstructive sleep apnea causes pauses in breathing during sleep. When you suffer from sleep apnea, you may stop breathing for 10-20 seconds at a time. This cycle can repeat itself hundreds of times during the night. With every breathing pause, oxygen levels decrease in the body. This is a danger sign that sparks other bodily responses. Hormones like cortisone and adrenaline suddenly spike. This helps you start breathing again. The problem is, that these hormonal surges can cause blood pressure to rise and the heart to beat irregularly. This can be a recipe for a heart attack.
Sleep Apnea
Finding Real Snore Relief
Discussing your symptoms with Dr. Josh Chapman at West Virginia Sleep Solutions is vital for evaluating whether your snoring is a cause for medical concern and for the right snore relief. Be prepared to undergo a physical exam and sleep study to evaluate your condition. Once the extent of your snoring is understood, solutions can be discussed.
Snoring doesn’t have to keep you – or your loved one – up at night, and it certainly does not have to cause other medical issues. There is snore relief available. Make an appointment with Dr. Chapman today and find out how to stop your snoring once and for all.
Signs of Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea is a medical condition that requires a medical diagnosis. So, how can you tell if your snoring has crossed the line from a mere nuisance to a threatening medical condition? A sleep specialist can conduct a sleep study either at home or at a sleep center. During this sleep study, your heart, lung, brain activity, breathing patterns, arm and leg movements, and blood oxygen levels will be monitored. dangerous apnea signs:
- Severe snoring during sleep
- Wake up gasping for breath for no real reason
- A chronic sore throat in the morning
- Waking up with a headache
- Daytime fatigue or a need for napping
- Falling asleep while resting or watching TV during the day or early evening
While not every sleep apnea patient is in danger of coronary issues, those with diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease should seek snore relief to stay safe and healthy.
How Can a Dentist Help with Sleep Apnea?
Sleep Apnea is a medical condition that needs a medical diagnosis. The underlying cause of sleep apnea physically occurs in the mouth and throat, an area that dentists know very well. Some dentists, like Dr. Chapman, pursue advanced training in dental sleep medicine. The training can provide a dental solution to snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. As a result, West Virginia Sleep Solutions can provide truly customized and titratable oral appliances that are FDA approved for treatment of OSA (obstructive sleep apnea). The custom appliance fits over the teeth and creates a comfortable, easy to wear, option to breathe normally throughout the night.
