When Can Snoring Be A Sign Of A More Serious Problem?

Does your spouse complain about your loud snoring at night? It may not be something to brush off simply as a result of weight gain or getting older. Loud snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, a more serious condition that needs to be treated by a specialist. Read on to learn more about this condition, its signs, and what you can do to treat it.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing stops and restarts multiple times during the night. There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea, and central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by a closed or narrow airway due to relaxed muscles in the back of the throat. Central sleep apnea arises when the brain does not signal the muscles to breathe. This depletion of oxygen in the body is potentially very harmful.

What Are the Signs of Sleep Apnea?

There are many signs of sleep apnea, including extreme daytime sleepiness, insomnia, sleep deprivation, loud snoring, dry mouth or throat, fatigue, headache, and more.

What Treatment Options Do I Have?

Treatment options include lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, or the use of a breathing assistance device at night, namely a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Surgery such as a tonsillectomy, or sleep medicine may also be treatment possibilities.

If you are concerned about sleep apnea, contact us today to schedule a consultation.  A sleep test can be scheduled to help gather more information on your sleep apnea, and what steps should be taken next to treat your symptoms.