Snoring and sleep apnea
Snoring is more than just annoying to you and/or your bed partner. It can be pathologic and symptom of a larger and potentially dangerous condition, Obstructive Sleep Apnea. (OSA)
Snoring is caused by the close proximity of the tongue with the soft palate, especially the uvula (the “punching bag” shaped tissue hanging in the back of the mouth) and air rushing past during sleep that makes the tissues vibrate to produce the snoring sound. Snoring can cause sleep deprivation to snorers and those around them resulting in daytime drowsiness and many of the other symptoms of sleep apnea. There is a positive correlation between loud snoring and risk of heart attack (about +34% chance) and stroke (about +67% chance).
New studies associate loud “snoring” with the development of carotid artery atherosclerosis, the risk of brain damage and of stroke. Researchers hypothesize that loud snoring creates turbulence in carotid artery blood flow closest to the airway. Generally speaking, increased turbulence irritates blood cells and has previously been implicated as a cause of atherosclerosis. A sleep study can identify the frequency and loudness, in decibels, of the patient’s snoring.
BEFORE buying an over the counter “snoring aid”, it is vital to be seen and evaluated to make sure that your snoring is not a symptom of a larger pathology.
Once properly diagnosed, you can Rest assure, there are specialized custom fit oral devices to help you sleep sounder!
