It’s estimated that 50% of people snore at some point during their life.
Sleep apnea is a more serious, but also common sleep disorder. Snoring and sleep apnea are related. Many individuals who snore also have sleep apnea. However, the conditions are not always present together.
Why Is Sleep Apnea So Dangerous?
Snoring alone doesn’t cause breathing to stop. People who suffer from sleep apnea actually stop breathing. This can happen many times during the night. When the brain is deprived of oxygen—not surprisingly—serious problems can occur. Even death.
Sleep apnea sufferers are at risk for heart problems including high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. They are also at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
One of the most common problems is daytime fatigue. This can be debilitating. Untreated sleep apnea lowers the quality of life.
Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect the person with the condition. Their bed partner is also deprived of restorative sleep and, as such, is at risk of health complications.
How do you know if you have sleep apnea?
If you suffer from daytime sleepiness, or your partner says you stop breathing temporarily during sleep, see your doctor immediately. If you want to start out with a specialist, ask your primary doctor for a recommendation. In the U.S., the American Board of Sleep Medicine certifies physicians who treat sleep disorders.
Your doctor will diagnose whether you have sleep apnea and which of the three types you have. This may require a visit to a sleep disorder clinic.
If your physician diagnoses your condition as Obstructive Sleep Apnea, don’t assume that there is only one treatment.
Sleep apnea can be treated with an oral appliance, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), or surgery.
If your healthcare provider believes you are a candidate for a dental appliance, consult a dentist who specializes in treatment for sleep disorders.
Contact Hereford Dental Health – Craig Longenecker DDS:
410-357-0099
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
16928 York Rd
Monkton, Maryland
21111
