Is Your Nighttime Snoring Something More?

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Is Your Nighttime Snoring Something More?Unless you share a living space with someone else, you may have a hard time knowing whether you actually have a snoring problem at all. However, for those who do, you probably hear about it a lot more than you might like to. While this loud and gargling noise can be a good laugh sometimes, it could also be a sign of something a bit more serious.

So I Snore, What Is The Big Deal?

While only 45 percent of adults snore regularly or on occasion, 75 percent of those recorded snorers also have a condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

OSA is a potentially serious sleep disorder that causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start while you are asleep. Though there are other types of sleep apnea, OSA tends to be the most common and occurs when your throat muscles end up relaxing and blocking your airway during sleep. The most noticeable symptom of OSA is snoring.

However, just because you snore does not mean that you have sleep apnea. Other signs you should remain on the lookout for include:

  • Insomnia or trouble staying awake
  • Extreme sleepiness during waking hours
  • Waking up with a headache, dry mouth, and/or sore throat
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty focusing or paying attention
  • Experiencing periods of stopped breathing during sleep

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seriously consider talking with your doctor to find out if you have sleep apnea. This is not only cause’s physical health problems, but it can cause mental health problems as well and harm your relationships as well.

Why Should I Visit The Dentist For OSA?

Luckily, there are plenty of oral appliances available today that can help you breathe and rest easy again. These are always custom made to fit your mouth while you are asleep and allow you to reposition your mouth to keep airways open to ensure breathing throughout the night. So if you have been diagnosed with OSA, make sure to talk with your dentist and see if one of our custom made oral appliances are right for your unique needs.