Is Snoring Keeping You Awake At Night?

Snoring is to obstructive sleep apnea as thunder is to lightning. They may, but not always, appear together. One may be just an annoyance, but the other may be serious trouble.

When the jaw opens and the tongue falls into the back of the throat, the airway narrows forcing air through the small opening. This creates vibrations in the throat known as snoring. Although snoring seems physically harmless, it can be a “red flag� for a much more serious and sometimes fatal condition called obstructive sleep apnea.

Is Snoring a Problem?

Consider the following questions:

• Have you ever been diagnosed or treated for sleep apnea?
• Do you have allergies or problems breathing?
• Do you have any problems with breathing through your nose?
• Do you drink alcohol and or take sedatives six hours prior to going to sleep?
• Are their disorders of sleep apnea in your family?
• Have you sought treatment for snoring?
• Do you tend to be tired in the afternoon?
• Do you sleep but not wake up refreshed?

Treatment for Snoring is:

1. Do nothing.
2. Sleep on your side rather than your back.
3. Exercise and weight loss reduction.
4. Use Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).
5. Use the appropriate dental appliance