Ever since you were young, your dad has always snored very loudly. It’s something that much of your family has grown to accept, so you start to believe that there’s not much you can do to avoid it, other than going to another room to nap that is. However, did you ever stop to think that your family member is snoring loudly because they have untreated sleep apnea? Did you ever consider the health risks associated with it?
If you or a family member has untreated sleep apnea in Ponte Vedra Beach, you’ll want to keep reading.
What Causes Snoring?
Snoring occurs because there is an obstruction blocking proper airflow through the mouth and nose. However, there are actually many ways this blockage can occur.
One of the most common causes is an obstructed nasal airway due to allergy season or a sinus infection. Another common cause is bulky throat tissue typically in obese individuals and children with large tonsils or adenoids.
In the case of untreated sleep apnea, obstructions are caused by long soft palates or long uvula. This dangling tissue can narrow the opening from the nose to the throat, causing them to vibrate and bump against each other in the airway. This vibration results in the loud snoring you hear from your family members while they sleep.
What are the Health Risks?
Loud chronic snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, which has its own unique risks attached. These risks include:
- Frequent waking from sleep
- Interrupted breathing
- Light sleeping
- Strain on the heart
- Poor sleep in general
Without a good night’s sleep, you risk putting your productivity at risk as you begin to suffer from chronic fatigue. What’s even more worrisome is the risk you put your heart at. Sleep apnea puts additional strain on the heart, causing your blood pressure to elevate and even enlarge the heart itself. This puts you at higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke later in life.
For these reasons, it’s worth it to seek treatment the moment you or someone close to you recognizes the symptoms of sleep apnea.
How Can SomnoDent Help?
Luckily, there are multiple treatments available for sleep apnea. In the event that you find CPAP machines difficult to use, you may want to consider the SomnoDent oral device instead. This product is custom-made to fit inside your mouth, increase upper airway volume and reduce collapsibility. By gently opening the airway and slightly repositioning the mouth to allow for proper breathing, you can start reducing chronic snoring, start sleeping normally again, and stop disturbing your nearby family members.
Not sure if you have untreated sleep apnea? Schedule an appointment with a dentist today to discuss your symptoms!
About the Author
Dr. Eric L. Townsend earned his DDS degree from the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry. He offers multiple sleep apnea oral devices designed to help you remove obstructions and take back your decent night’s sleep. To learn more about his practice, contact him through his website.