Understand The Risks Of Snoring & Sleep Apnea

Even if you don’t snore, there’s a high chance you know someone who does. Snoring is a common problem that affects millions of Americans. But many people don’t know that the noisy breathing we know as snoring can actually be a sign of a sleep disorder called sleep apnea — potentially be a very dangerous condition. To make things even more dangerous, many people who snore don’t realize that they do, making it difficult for them to know there is a problem and realize that they need to visit a sleep apnea doctor.

Snoring is a warning sign that something is amiss, and is 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 causes the noise when air is expelled from your narrowed airway. Sleep apnea is a potentially fatal condition, so it is imperative to see a sleep apnea doctor immediately to ensure that your vital organs are getting a sufficient amount of oxygen. It is never a good idea to “ignore the snore” as this 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:

  • Daytime tiredness and grogginess
  • A drop in production at work
  • Negative effects on personal relationships
  • Higher risk for injuries to accidents caused by your sleepiness
  • Higher risk of developing 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 not only increases tiredness but may also lead to frustration and resentment between couples. Snoring can 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 suffer from consistently 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 – not apart. If your relationship is suffering due to a snoring habit, seeking help right away can change your life!

The National Sleep Foundation estimates that:

  • 80% of couples where at least one partner snores, sleep 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 currently 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 who has already told you, think about whether you feel tired and groggy during the day, or find it difficult to focus. Both of these signs could point to the fact that you have a snoring problem.

If you want to know for sure whether you snore, record yourself while you sleep and play it back in the morning to discover whether you hear any audible snoring. Phone apps such as Snore Lab and others can also 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 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 will coordinate with your doctors and medical insurance to conveniently and quickly test for the possibility of sleep apnea. And with five Bay Area locations in Santa Cruz, San Jose, San Ramon, Los Gatos, and Sunnyville, a nearby visit to one of our sleep apnea doctors will put your mind at ease.

With a variety of oral devices, our oral appliance therapy is a very effective treatment option for many habitual snorers. This FDA-approved treatment, which uses no mask, power supply or cords, involves wearing one of our comfortable and convenient oral appliances that ensures clear and easy breathing all night long. Compared to other sleep apnea solutions which may be bulky or expensive, oral appliance snoring therapy has helped countless patients to rest comfortably.

If you snore or suffer from sleep apnea, an amazing night’s rest is just a phone call or email away. Our skilled doctors here at Spark Sleep Solutions are proud to offer snoring treatment, sleep apnea treatment, and affordable, easy sleep solutions to help our patients can feel rested, and live happier, healthier lives. We offer amazing CPAP alternatives that do not require a mask, electricity, or a machine for those who cannot tolerate the CPAP mask. And with five office locations in Santa Cruz, San Jose, San Ramon, Los Gatos, and Sunnyville, visits are close by and convenient. If you’re ready to treat snoring for good and feel more energized during the day, give us a call at 408-490-0182, send an email to info@sparksleep.com, or book your appointment today. We can’t wait to help you breathe easy and sleep soundly!

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!