Sleep Apnea/Snoring
About 90 million Americans suffer from snoring during sleep. More than half of those people
are simply snorers and it is bothersome to others, but in the other half it could be a sign of a
more serious sleep disorder called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Do your research. Knowing
the difference between the two conditions is key in getting the right treatment. Snoring is a
result of the tissues in the throat relaxing enough to partially block the airway and creating the
vibrating sound (snoring). On the other hand, loud snoring can lead to OSA which is
characterized by multiple pauses in breathing that are greater than ten seconds due to airway
narrowing or collapse.
Untreated OSA can contribute to:
• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Heart disease
• Workplace accidents
• Motor vehicle accidents
Symptoms of OSA:
• Loud snoring
• Wake up choking or gasping
• Wake up with dry mouth or sore throat
• Morning headaches
• Mood changes
• Irritability
• Depression
• Night time urination
• Daytime sleepiness/fatigue
• Frequent breaks or pauses in breathing
• Overweight
• Acid reflux
• Clenching and grinding
• Fractured/cracked/broken teeth
• Abfraction of teeth
Greater health risks and comorbidities associated with OSA:
• Congestive heart failure
• Atrial fibrillation
• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Sudden death
• High blood pressure
• Anxiety
• Acid reflux/GERD
• Depression
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Memory loss
• Irritable bowel syndrome
A sleep study is necessary to determine if snoring is due to OSA.