Snoring isn't sexy and it isn't healthy

Snoring can be related to cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, depression and even erectile dysfunction. Nor are the accidents caused by the drowsy driving related to sleep apnea. And now a new study has shown that loud snoring itself can have devastating consequences. An article published in March, 2008 stated that loud snorers had 40% greater odds of having high blood pressure, 34 % greater odds of having a heart attack and 67 % greater odds of having a stroke than people who did not snore.

Nearly one half of adults snore.

It doesn't matter if you are a man or woman (although men do snore more), or young or old or thin or heavy, snoring and sleep apnea can affect everyone - even young children!

Snoring can disrupt marriages and cause sleepless nights for bed partners. The emotional costs of snoring are as severe as snoring's physical damage.

Medically, snoring can be the precursor of obstructive sleep apnea that has been linked to heart failure, high blood pressure and stroke. In its own right, snoring has been linked to Type II Diabetes.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea usually interrupts loud snoring with a period of silence in which no air passes into the lungs. eventually the lack of oxygen and the increase in carbon dioxide will awaken the sleeper forcing the airway to open with a loud gasp. When obstructive sleep apnea occurs, the tongue is sucked against the back of the throat. This blocks the upper airway and air flow stops. When the oxygen level in the brain becomes low enough, the sleeper partially awakens, the obstruction in the throat clears and the flow of air starts again, usually with a loud gasp. People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have disrupted sleep, and low blood oxygen levels.

Dentistry offers Solutions for Snoring and Sleep Apnea

The dentists associated with Snoring Isn't Sexy™ can help. Dentistry now plays a critical role in the recognition and management not only of snoring but also obstructive sleep apnea.

Oral Appliances are placed in the mouth and are worn much like an orthodontic appliance or sports mouth protector. They are worn during sleep to prevent the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat so that the airway stays open during sleep. The appliances promote adequate air intake and help to provide normal sleep in people who snore and have a medical condition known as sleep apnea. Oral appliances can be used alone or in conjunction with other means of therapy such as continuous positive air pressure (CPAP). Determination of proper therapy can only be made by joint consultation of your dentist and sleep physician.

Snoring can be a hazard to your health, but it is treatable.