Is Snoring Dangerous?
Beyond the annoying noise, can snoring be a sign of a more serious problem? The short answer is – maybe.
What makes snoring dangerous?
Snoring can be a warning sign that you may have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Sleep Apnea is a serious medical condition that occurs when your air passage becomes temporarily blocked causing breathing to stop several times throughout the night. During these episodes, the brain is depleted of oxygen. OSA may increase your risk for heart attack or stroke while also causing you to spend less time in the deep restorative sleep required for energy and mental sharpness.
What happens during snoring?
While you sleep, the muscles that keep your airway open during your waking hours are relaxed. The sound of snoring emanates from tissues vibrating as breath passes along the narrow section of your airway.
If I snore, does it mean I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
According to Dr. Robert L. Owens of the Sleep Disorders Research Program at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, “Most people who snore don't have obstructive sleep apnea, but most people who have apnea snore.”
How do I know for sure if my snoring is part of a more serious problem?
If your snoring is loud enough to keep your bed partner awake, you need to take action. The first step to diagnosing and treating sleep related problems is to have a consultation with a professional.
Dr. Denise has completed advanced training in sleep disorders including a mini residency from the TMJ and Sleep Therapy Center where she specialized in treating sleep breathing disorders. She offers complimentary consultations to help evaluate your current sleep issues.
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If signs and symptoms of sleep apnea are present, Dr. Denise recommends having a sleep study done to get a better understanding of your sleep apnea. Once the sleep study is complete, she will be happy to review the results with you and help you decide on the personalized solution that’s right for you. She offers comfortable and convenient solutions to help you sleep better and wake up refreshed. Treatment options include:
Personalized Oral Appliance
No bulky facemask or power required with our personalized oral appliances. One of the most common solutions to OSA is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. Though effective, CPAP machines are far from convenient and comfortable. Patients must wear a bulky facemask connected by a hose to an electric device that maintains positive air pressure while they sleep. Traveling with a CPAP, regular cleaning and maintenance, finding comfortable positions to sleep while wearing it, and other related issues make this choice less appealing to many. We offer an FDA approved personalized device more like a simple mouthguard used in athletics. This appliance will keep the jaw in a forward position while you sleep, allowing your airway to remain open for an uninterrupted, better night’s sleep. It’s small, portable, quiet, comfortable, and highly effective.
NightLase Laser Treatment
A non-invasive laser treatment, NightLase gently heats and tightens the soft tissue in the throat to reduce snoring, treat sleep apnea, and ease TMJ pain. It stimulates collagen production to firm the tissue and open the airway to improve breathing during sleep. Three 20 minute treatments take place over 6 weeks and the results typically last around a year. Some patients see a 50% improvement in just one treatment. Enjoy a gentle, easy way to relieve any jaw pain and regain a restful night’s sleep.
Botox®
Many people suffer headaches, migraines, and tension pain related to bite issues or TMJ Syndrome. TMJ Syndrome occurs when the Temporomandibular Joint becomes displaced or overworked, which can happen in those who suffer from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can cause unconscious teeth grinding or jaw clenching during sleep while trying to keep the airway open. Botox® can effectively relieve TMJ symptoms and jaw tension by relaxing the muscles that are typically strained. Botox® is FDA approved to relieve migraine headaches and pain.
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If you or a loved one is experiencing sleep-related issues like snoring, please contact the us today for a free consultation. You’ll be surprised at the difference a good night’s sleep can make in your life.