Snoring Could Be a Sign of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Your snoring partner could be hiding something. According to Dr. Jack Ringer a huge percentage of the population suffers from Obstructive Sleep Apnea and aren’t even aware that they have it.

Sleep Apnea Affects Millions, Possibly Billions

Referred to as OSA, Obstructive Sleep Apnea can happen to anyone. Even your kids can suffer from OSA. If tonsils or adenoids are removed, this usually stops the symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Who is at Risk for OSA?

Being Overweight-Obstructive sleep apnea is more apt to occur in people who are overweight or obese. Even 10 pounds over your ideal weight can cause snoring, which may or may not be a sign of sleep apnea.

Being Male-If you are a man you are twice as likely to suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Genetics Could Be to Blame-According to oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea provider, Dr. Jack Ringer, genetics could be the key to sleep apnea. Studies show that people with a family history of OSA are more likely to suffer as well.

Large Neck Size-Unfortunately not all neck size can be reduced with diet and exercise. Some people are just prone to large necks. Health Ambition explains that you could be at risk for sleep apnea if you are a woman with a neck size over 16” or a man with a neck size 17” or more.

Middle Age-The older you get the more prone you are to sleep apnea. People who are middle age could be in the high risk category for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

High Blood Pressure-People who have hypertension, or high blood pressure are more apt to suffer from OSA.

Tobacco Use-If you use tobacco products you could be at risk for sleep apnea. According to Dr. Ringer, nicotine withdrawal will continue while you sleep. Smoking causes inflammation in your upper airways. The inflammation causes your throat, uvula and nose to swell reducing the space in your airway.

Alcohol Use-Just like tobacco, alcohol reduces the flow of air. It can also make you snore. Sleep apnea is associated with snoring, although not even everyone who snores suffers from OSA. Because the alcohol makes you breathe harder to push the air through, your brain will wake you up to make you breathe normally. Some people are chronic snorers after a night of drinking.

You May be a Silent Sufferer of Obstructive Sleep Apnea if you:

• Suffer from bouts of frequent or loud snoring
• Make gasping or choking sounds
• Suffer from fatigue
• Fight off daytime sleepiness
• Deal with morning headaches
• Have insomnia
• Have problems concentrating
• Suffer from memory loss
• Have a decreased sex drive
• Are moody

What Can Happen if I Don’t Treat My OSA?

When your blood isn’t receiving oxygen while you sleep it will create oxidative stress. The sustained elevation in your blood pressure can cause congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, atherosclerosis, chronic vascular disease, heart attack, and even stroke.

Although more studies need to be completed, Type 2 diabetes mellitus does have a relationship with untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

If you believe you may be suffering from sleep apnea, see a sleep specialist who can determine if you are dealing with OSA. If you are diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, talk to Dr. Ringer who can custom design an oral appliance to use while you sleep. Oral appliance therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea really can make a difference to your overall health.

Call or click for oral appliance therapy in Anaheim Hills today.