The Ultimate Health Risks of Snoring
While occasional snoring may be harmless, chronic snoring can prevent you from getting a good night's rest, and in some cases, may be a sign of a more serious health condition.
In this article, Philadelphia snoring specialist, Dr. Marc Levin, addresses the potential health risks associated with chronic snoring and provides an overview of the treatment options that may help you achieve a better night’s sleep.
What Causes Snoring?
When you are awake, normal breathing does not produce any sound because your airways remain open and unobstructed. Once sleeping, however, your throat muscles naturally relax, which can cause your upper airway to become restricted. If your airway becomes partially blocked, your breath may cause the surrounding tissue to vibrate, which causes the sound we all know and recognize as snoring. Factors that may contribute to snoring include:
- Allergies, cold, or sinus problems
- Certain sleep positions e.g., sleeping on your back
- Having larger than usual tonsils, adenoids, or tongue
- Certain jaw or mouth structures
- Having a narrow airway
- Being overweight or obese
- Medical history
- Family history
What Are the Symptoms That You’re a Snorer?
Most people do not know they snore until someone brings it to their attention. If you are unsure if your sleep is being impacted by snoring, there are certain signs which may indicate that you are snoring at night. Including:
- Fatigue or difficulty concentrating during the day
- Having a sore throat after waking up
- Suffering from headaches upon waking
- Waking from your sleep and gasping for air
When Does Snoring Become Dangerous?
Loud and frequent snoring on a may be a sign of sleep apnea. This sleep disorder, which is characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, can increase your risk of developing a number of other serious health problems, including:
- High blood pressure due to increased strain on your heart
- Pulmonary hypertension resulting from lower levels of oxygen in your blood
- Type II diabetes due to frequent sleep deprivation, which can lead to poor eating habits and obesity
Like snoring, you may not be aware that you suffer from sleep apnea, as the symptoms are most pronounced while you are asleep. Signs that you may be suffering from sleep apnea include:
- Paused breathing while you sleep
- Headaches when you wake up
- Sore throat or dry mouth when you rise in the morning
- Trouble concentrating during the day
- Irritability
- Daytime fatigue
How Can I Stop Snoring?
From diet and exercise to CPAP therapy and surgery, there are a variety of treatment options available to help alleviate your snoring. While all of these options can be effective, oral appliance therapy provides a quick, comfortable, non-surgical solution that can help put an end to your snoring. At eos dental sleep, Dr. Levin is specially trained in oral appliance therapy and will provide you with a personalized consultation to determine if an oral appliance is right for you.
If you are suffering from snoring and are seeking a treatment solution, please contact eos dental sleep today.