Snoring

Many of us can think of at least one person in our family who has a reputation for his or her snoring. During family vacations, no one wants to bunk with this person. For some unfortunate people, the snorer can even be disruptive from the next room, or rooms away! Aside from being aggravating to housemates or bed partners, loud, chronic snoring could signal a more serious problem.

When one snores every time he or she attempts to get the sleep needed for rejuvenation, it is possible that the goal is not being met. Snoring can interfere greatly with one’s quality of sleep and, thus, have a major impact on the rest of his or her life. If not properly addressed, chronic snoring may even lead to serious health conditions such as heart disease or stroke.

The act of breathing involves taking air in through the nose and/or mouth. As we take each breath, the body experiences a suction pressure. This is what draws air into the lungs. When this function is impeded by some type of resistance or blockage in the upper airway, stronger suction is needed to get air into the lungs. This increase in the pressure of suction affects the soft palate, which is located at the very back of the mouth, at the opening to the esophagus. As the soft palate vibrates against the sucking motion of breathing, the sound of snoring is created.

Most people will snore from time to time. We may snore when we have a cold, or when affected by allergies. Some people snore because of obesity, or a deviated septum. In these scenarios, breathing is affected because the airway has become narrowed.

There is another possible trigger for chronic snoring, one that may be easily missed due to lack of information. Many people who experience lack of sleep night after night are actually suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. This sleep disorder is quite serious, and requires prompt professional attention to prevent complications to one’s health.

You may not initially think that your dentist is the healthcare professional to help you with chronic snoring due to obstructive sleep apnea, but this is exactly the start many people need to find comfortable relief from their condition.

We can help you get the sleep you need. Contact Aliso Smiles today for your sleep apnea consultation.