06 May Why does snoring occur during sleep?
Snoring occurs when the soft tissues in our throat relax during rest. As we breathe in and out, these tissues vibrate, which produces the sounds of snoring. For some, snoring may just be an annoying occurrence that roommates and bed partners have to contend with, but for others, it could be a sign of a serious condition known as obstructive sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea could produce serious health risks and quality of life issues when left untreated. Our dentist provides oral appliance therapy to alleviate the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.
How can I tell the difference between snoring and sleep apnea?
It’s difficult for people to discern between snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is why professional sleep studies are needed to confirm a diagnosis before a person can pursue sleep apnea treatment. Sleep studies monitor a patient’s breathing patterns and brain waves to determine if excessive snoring is affecting the quality of their sleep.
How does sleep apnea affect people?
Untreated sleep apnea can have devastating effects on your daily life and your overall health. This sleep disorder directly affects the quality of your rest and will ultimately lead to sleep deprivation.
Sleep apnea prevents a person from progressing through each stage of sleep as they should because the airway is obstructed. A person with OSA will be woken hundreds of times throughout an 8-hour sleep period. Sleep deprivation can affect your mood, your memory, and even your motor function.
Other health concerns associated with sleep apnea include increased risks for respiratory and cardiovascular health conditions. Research has found numerous links between sleep apnea and heart disease, stroke, and COPD.
How is sleep apnea treated?
There are a few treatment protocols available that can prevent episodes of apnea during sleep. Our practice offers a non-surgical, machinery-free treatment option called “oral appliance therapy”. This treatment involves sleeping with a retainer-like appliance that widens the airway. Increasing the size of the airway prevents the breathing obstruction associated with sleep apnea. Oral appliance therapy is comfortable, low-maintenance, and effective.
If you would like to pursue treatment for sleep apnea, call Kozlow & Rowell Dentistry to schedule an appointment with our dentist.