Risks Of Snoring

If you don’t snore, there’s a high chance that you know someone that does, since it’s a common problem that affects millions of Americans. This noisy breathing we know as snoring is actually a sign of a sleep disorder called sleep apnea, which can potentially be a very dangerous condition. To make things even more dangerous, many people that snore don’t realize that they do, making it difficult for them to realize that they need to go see a sleep apnea doctor.

Snoring is a warning sign that something is amiss and typically the first sign of obstructive sleep apnea. When you snore, your airway is partially blocked.

The vibrations of the tissues in your throat are what makes the noise when you expel air from your narrowed airway. Sleep apnea is a potentially fatal condition, so it is imperative to see a sleep apnea doctor immediately as your vital organs may not be getting a sufficient amount of oxygen. It is never a good idea to “ignore the snore” as snoring can lead to persistent disruptions of your own sleep as well as that of your bed partner. The fragmented sleep pattern associated with persistent snoring can also negatively affect your life in many ways, such as

  • Causes daytime tiredness and grogginess
  • Can lead to a drop in production at work
  • Can negatively affect personal relationships
  • Puts you at higher risk for injuries to accidents caused by your sleepiness
  • Can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke or hypertension

A snoring partner can put a great deal of strain on a relationship and is one of the leading causes of divorce in the United States. Regular snoring may not only creates tiredness, but also lead to frustration and resentment between couples. Snoring can also interfere with emotional and sexual intimacy due to a lack of healthy sleep and a shortage of oxygen to the body through the night. Sometimes, if the snoring has caused enough tension, it can lead to couples sleeping in separate bedrooms.

People who consistently suffer from poor quality sleep often become very irritable and short-tempered. This can lead to serious relationship problems as both partners may show less empathy toward each other.
Taking care of a snoring problem can only lead to better sleep for both partners as well as a more loving relationship that involves sleeping together- and not apart. If your relationship is suffering due to a snoring habit, seeking help right away can help change your life!

The National Sleep Foundation estimates that:

  • 80% of couples where at least one partner snores, sleeps separately
  • 60% of men and 40% of women snore habitually
  • 90 million Americans have a snoring problem
  • 45% of adults snore at least occasionally with 1 out of every 4 being habitual snorers

What’s astounding about these numbers is that sleep apnea is easily treatable, so all of those people out there suffering from poor quality sleep could be having a wonderful night of rest by just meeting with a sleep apnea doctor.

Individuals most likely to snore are males and those who are overweight, although snoring is a problem that can affect both genders and any weight. So how do you know if you snore? If you don’t have a partner that’s already told you, think about if you get tired and groggy during the day, making it more difficult for you to focus. That could clue you into the possibility of you having a snoring problem. If you want to know for sure, record yourself while you sleep and play it back in the morning, and see if you have any audible snoring. You may try phone apps such as Snore Lab along with others to assist you.

While many people who snore have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), not all snorers have OSA. if your snoring is accompanied by any of the following symptoms/signs, you should see a sleep apnea doctor for an evaluation:

  • You make gasp, choke, or stop breathing while asleep
  • You suffer from daytime tiredness
  • You wake up to use the restroom
  • You have difficulty concentrating
  • You suffer from morning headaches
  • You often have a sore throat
  • Your sleep is not restful as you toss and turn often
  • You have high blood pressure
  • Your snoring disrupts others
  • Your lack of sleep is harming your personal relationships

At Spark Sleep Solutions, we can coordinate with your doctors and medical insurance to conveniently and quickly test for the possibility of sleep apnea. Put your mind at ease by seeing one of our sleep apnea doctors in one of our five Bay Area locations.

Our oral appliance therapy is a good treatment option for many habitual snorers. This FDA-approved treatment which uses no mask, power supply or cords, involves wearing a comfortable and convenient oral appliance that ensures you can breathe clearly and easily all night long. Compared to other sleep apnea solutions that are bulky or expensive, oral appliance snoring therapy can help you rest easier.

Contact Spark Sleep Solutions Today!

If you snore or suffer from sleep apnea, there’s an amazing night’s rest waiting for you, so you can feel more energized during the day. All it takes is a quick call to the sleep apnea experts here at Spark Sleep Solution. Our doctors are proud to offer an easy and affordable solution to a snoring problem, so everyone from San Jose and San Ramon, to Santa Cruz and Los Gatos can feel rested, and live a happier healthier life.

If you cannot tolerate the CPAP mask, you should not go untreated. We can show you our amazing CPAP alternatives that do not require a mask, electricity, or a machine. We look forward to helping you breath easier and sleep more soundly. So, book your appointment with us today!