The Dangers of Snoring
Many individuals worldwide know that snoring can disrupt their sleep quality, but they often overlook its potential as an indicator of more significant health issues.
Although snoring can result from a partially blocked airway, persistent and loud snoring may indicate obstructive sleep apnea. This condition affects around 12 to 18 million adults in the United States. Obstructive sleep apnea causes brief pauses in breathing during sleep, lasting anywhere from 10 seconds to over a minute. It occurs when the tongue and soft palate collapse onto the back of the throat, obstructing the upper airway.
The Dangers of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Extensive research has demonstrated that untreated obstructive sleep apnea poses a potentially life-threatening risk. It can lead to severe health problems, including congestive heart failure, stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, depression, and even impotence.
Fortunately, various treatment options are available for individuals suffering from this condition. If your snoring is disruptive enough to wake others nearby or if you suspect it is affecting your overall health, take the following steps:
1. Consult a sleep physician and undergo a sleep test. This evaluation will determine if your snoring indicates a more serious issue, such as obstructive sleep apnea, and guide your treatment plan. To locate sleep centers in Charleston, WV, visit www.sleepeducation.com/find-a-center.
2. Explore a range of treatment options. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the recommended treatment for sleep apnea, involving wearing a face mask connected to a motor and tubing during sleep. However, if CPAP is unsuitable or undesired, oral appliance therapy is a viable alternative. This treatment, provided by specialized dentists trained in dental sleep medicine, utilizes a custom-fit device, similar to a mouthguard, to stabilize the tongue or position the jaw forward. The oral appliance keeps the airway open, leading to more refreshing sleep. Contact my office at 304-744-1251 to arrange a consultation, or visit https://wvsleepsolutions.com for more details.
3. Stick to your treatment plan. Commitment to the prescribed treatment can significantly improve symptoms and overall quality of life. Find a treatment option that allows you to sleep comfortably, paving the way for restful nights and healthier days.
Remember, loud and persistent snoring extends beyond being a mere nighttime annoyance. It frequently serves as an alarming sign of underlying health problems. Understanding the impact of snoring on your health and exploring available treatment options empowers you to make informed, health-conscious decisions that will benefit you and your loved ones in the long run.
About Dr. Josh Chapman
Dr. Chapman is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Dr. Chapman is Charleston, WV’s only Durable Medical Equipment (DME) licensed Dentist. Dr. Chapman is a sleep expert focused on airway health who provides FDA-approved treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Patients with loud snoring and diagnosed sleep apnea sufferers with difficulty tolerating CPAP should contact Dr. Chapman at 304-744-1251 to schedule a consultation appointment. Dr. Chapman works closely with sleep physicians to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
About The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) is the only non-profit national professional society dedicated exclusively to the practice of dental sleep medicine. The AADSM provides educational resources for dentists and promotes the use of oral appliance therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing. Established in 1991, the AADSM has nearly 3,000 member dentists worldwide. Visit www.aadsm.org or call the national office at (630) 737-9705 for more information.
