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Any bed partner can attest to this…snoring is very troublesome.
Those you live with are constantly awakened by the sounds from your snoring. If you are on your own you may not notice it, but it is still quite significant. Snoring means that you are not getting the full sleep that you require, but rather a lighter sleep because your airways are obstructed.
There are lots of people who snore from time to time. It is reported that men are 50% more likely to snore than women. Those who snore and snore loudly are typically middle-aged and overweight.
While snoring is not necessarily considered a major problem, it still can be a sign of a more serious and deeper medical condition, that being Sleep Apnea.
The most common form of Sleep Apnea is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This is a disorder where pauses in breathing or instances of shallow or infrequent breathing during sleep are evident. These pauses normally can last 10 to 20 seconds, however in extreme cases they can last for a minute or longer. Once breathing stops, the brain thankfully kick-starts the breathing process to begin again.
Gasping and choking are often heard by the bed partner and is a clear sign that something is wrong.
Sleep apnea usually leads to a decreased level of oxygen in the blood. It is linked to some serious medical conditions which include high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, and stroke.
The Actual Snoring Sound
So what is the root cause of snoring and how do you stop snoring?
Snoring is caused by vibration from the soft part of the roof of the mouth (the soft palate) and the lungs struggling to inhale oxygen through obstructed airways. Normally this occurs when the muscles that keep the airways open become too relaxed or excess tissue accumulates nearby and hinders air flow.
Nasal issues are also associated with snoring. This can be due to nasal congestion and also occur in individuals who have a deviated septum.
Other risk factors for sleep apnea include smoking, alcohol consumption, taking sedatives, and being overweight.
Not getting the proper quality of sleep that you require can hinder your daily performance at work or at play. It is also costly on the labour force as workers call in sick and when they are at work they are not as productive as they should be.
Common Symptoms of Snoring may include:
– Poor memory and lack of concentration.
– Experiencing headaches right after waking up.
– Fatigue or feeling tired…excessive daytime sleepiness.
– Irritability and bouts of anxiety/depression.
– Lack of interest in sex.
How to Stop Snoring: Wake-Up and Feel Good!
Dentists and health professionals offer practical advice for those who suffer from snoring. First, avoid alcohol and sedatives within three to five hours before bedtime.
Those who are overweight or obese would benefit from being on an exercise plan, eating healthy and perhaps reducing your caloric intake.
Other common remedies include sleeping on your side and using a humidifier if the air in your room is dry. For those who suffer from nasal problems, try sprays or breathing strips.
Intra-Oral Devices – Help You to Stop Snoring
Our dental office offers a number of oral devices that essentially open up the airways and help to increase air flow.
The benefits of Intra-Oral Devices include:
– A more solid night sleep.
– Feeling more energetic and refreshed the next day
– Cessation of snoring and improved overall health.
– A good alternative if one does not tolerate using a C.P.A.P machine.
– Easy to travel with as opposed to the C.P.A.P machine which is a little more difficult to transport.
Is snoring having a negative impact on you or a loved one? If so, we can help.
Call Dr. Robert Axelrad Dental Office in Brampton, ON to learn more at (905) 791-3867 or email us.
We are located in the heart of Brampton at 40 Finchgate Boulevard, Suite 121 at Bestgate Professional Centre. We welcome new patients, walk-ins and dental emergencies for all ages.