It is estimated that 90 million Americans snore. If those people have a bed partner, that is 180 million people not sleeping well. Is everybody walking around tired? If so, that problem can be remedied. Even if snoring is not a problem for you, it can be a problem for your spouse. The noise can keep them awake hour after hour, night after night. In some cases, couples cannot even sleep in the same room together due to one of them snoring. According to research, over 20 million of the 90 million Americans that snore have sleep apnea. That is why it’s important to find out when snoring becomes a problem.
Snoring
Primary snorers, also called simple snorers, breathe noisily during sleep. This can result in them and their partner losing sleep because the partner may nudge them, or wake them several times a night to stop them from snoring. Generally their snoring is caused by a relaxed soft palate in the back of the mouth just in front of the throat. As the air they breathe passes over the palate it produces a vibration that we call snoring. Negative effects from lack of sleep due to snoring include:
- Weight gain
- Memory loss
- Strained relationships
- Aged skin
Sleep Apnea
Although everyone that snores does not have sleep apnea, loud, excessive snoring is a leading symptom of sleep apnea. The difference between snoring being a nuisance and snoring being a health risk is that sleep apnea causes occasions throughout the night when the person stops breathing for seconds or even more than a minute. They are called apneic events. Apnea is when breathing stops. Sleep apnea is a serious health condition that can lead to:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Atrial fibrillation
- Congestive heart failure
- Some cancers
- Sudden death
Treatment
If you suspect that you or someone you know has sleep apnea bring it to the attention of Dr. Young. Together you can discuss treatment options.
YOUR LAFAYETTE, LA COSMETIC DENTIST:
Michael J. Young, DDS, and his skilled team of dental care professionals happily serve patients and their families, living in Breaux Bridge, Broussard, Scott, Youngsville, and surrounding communities. To learn more, contact us today at our Lafayette dentist’s office at 337-237-6453.