If you happen to pass by a family member’s room at night and hear snoring coming from within, you might be tempted to laugh. If your sleeping partner snores, however, it might not be as humorous as you lose your rest, or wake suddenly from the noise just as your falling asleep. Besides the noise, snoring can also pose a risk to the one who snores, leading to increased risks of a number of health issues. In some cases, it can also indicate a serious sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. Regardless of their degrees of severity, snoring and sleep apnea should not be ignored, and you should a professional assessment soon if snoring is an issue for you or a loved one.

When Snoring Means Sleep Apnea

When you snore, it is typically due to a partial obstruction in your airway that often originates with your oral tissues. The obstruction reduces the area through which your breath passes, making it harder for you to receive oxygen. If you experience obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), then the obstruction is more than partial, and it can periodically stop you from breathing altogether. Snoring is a typical sign of sleep apnea, and marks the gradual closing of your airway until the noise, and your breathing, stops completely. When your brain panics from the oxygen deprivation, it will wake your body enough to start breathing again, beginning the cycle of snoring and silence anew.

The Unheard Effects of Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Repeated oxygen deprivation can have serious consequences for your cardiovascular health, and the health and function of the rest of your organs, as well. When you lose sleep, the effects can be more immediate, as sleep deprivation can have a tangible effect on the quality of your daily life. Because sleep apnea doesn’t consciously disturb your sleep, the resulting effects of sleep deprivation, such as daytime exhaustion, are often the most obvious telltale signs of the condition.

ABOUT YOUR SHREWSBURY DENTISTS:

At Modern Dentistry, Todd A. Pizzi, DDS, and Luciana Messina, DDS, are dedicated to providing high-quality cosmetic, restorative, and preventive dentistry services to patients and families in Shrewsbury, Worcester, North and South Grafton, Westborough, Southborough, Northborough, Boylston, Hopkinton, Millbury, and all surrounding communities. To schedule your next appointment, contact our office by calling (508) 842-6356 today.