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During the holidays, you may have noticed a family member sleeping on a chair or couch after a large meal. As the family members crack jokes, it may be important to understand what the cause of their snoring is. What is wrong with this is they may be snoring or could potentially stop breathing for those 10 seconds as a result of sleep apnea. Many people do not think that snoring is a concern, but only a frequent, loud annoyance. However, frequent snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea, which is a common and potentially serious disorder in which your breathing repeatedly stops and starts as you sleep. Although sleep apnea is treatable, it may often go unrecognized, which can be dangerous and detrimental to your health. It is important to visit your Irwin and North Huntingdon dentist if you suspect that you may suffer from sleep apnea, or snoring. Sleep Apnea and how it affects Your Health Sleep apnea is a disorder that affects the way that you breathe while you are sleeping. In untreated sleep apnea, breathing is interrupted or becomes very shallow while sleeping which can last between 10 to 20 seconds and can occur up to hundreds of times a night. Untreated sleep apnea can result in daytime sleepiness, slow reflexes, poor concentration, and an increased risk of accidents. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to potentially serious health problems including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and even weight gain. With treatment, you can control the symptoms of sleep apnea and get your sleep back on track. Symptoms of sleep apnea often include:
* Morning headaches
* Excessive daytime sleepiness
* Irritability and impaired mental or emotional functioning
* Excessive snoring, choking or gasping during sleep
* Insomnia
* Awakening with a dry mouth or sore mouth Treatment for sleep apnea may include various dental appliances that reposition the lower jaw and the tongue. These have been proven to be helpful to some patients with mild sleep apnea or those who snore, but do not have sleep apnea. Snoring and Its Effect on your Health
It is estimated that more than 30 million American adults snore on a regular basis. Snoring or gasping sounds are caused by the vibration of relaxed, floppy tissues that line the upper airway or throat. As you sleep, muscle tone decreases throughout your body and your throat muscles relax, which causes the soft palate and the uvula to vibrate as you breathe. The severity of snoring varies from person to person. While it is not life threatening, it may interfere with a good night's sleep for you and those in your household. You can minimize snoring with the help of dental devices as well as:
* Lose weight
* Quit smoking
* Get treatment for allergies
* Limit or avoid alcohol use and sedatives
* Sleep on your side instead of your back If you experience any symptoms associated with snoring or sleep apnea, consult your Irwin and North Huntingdon dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Your dentist can prescribe custom made oral appliances to help alleviate your symptoms and allow for a better night's sleep. Get treatment now and you can potentially prevent any further complications and rest peacefully.
Dr. Dominic Sabatini, North Huntingdon and Irwin dentist, bought A New U Dental & Wellness Center in April 0f 2010. Dr. Sabatini, dentist in Irwin, PA, specializes in cosmetic dentistry, sleep apnea, TMJ and headache treatment, dental veneers and dental implants.
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