[dropcap]D[/dropcap]o you get jabbed in the ribs at night to turn over because you are snoring?If you find yourself snoring at night, normal breathing is not taking place and that is disruptive to deep, restorative sleep. For most adults, snoring does not involve a serious medical disorder.
Snoring becomes dangerous when it begins interfering with a good night’s sleep. If the body does not receive enough oxygen to rejuvenate itself, you will suffer with symptoms including the following:
- Morning headaches
- Daytime sleepiness/feeling tired all the time
- Awakening by choking or gasping
- Lost interest in sex
CAUSES: Dental and medical conditions that can lead to snoring can include:
- Overweight
- A small retruded jaw
- Sedatives
- Allergies
- Alcohol before retiring
- Airway obstruction
The seemingly innocent snoring becomes obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) when breathing stops for at least 10 seconds many times each night. When sleep apnea goes untreated, it can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and cause high blood pressure. If you find yourself suffering with these symptoms, it’s time to come in for evaluation!
TREATMENT: Snoring can easily be treated in our office with an oral sleep appliance which prevents the airway from collapsing by creating extra space. We treat mild to moderate sleep apnea with a dental appliance that is non-invasive, easily accepted and comfortable. Our office designs a specific appliance just for your condition. Dr. Halligan has special training in diagnosis and treatment of snoring and mild sleep apnea. Oral airway dilator appliances and other various therapies are a great alternative to CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) or surgery.