Snoring - Causes and Treatment
It’s Not Just a Nuisance
It Could Be Sleep Apnea
Serving patients in Glenview, Golf, Northbrook, Winnetka, Evanston, Arlington Heights, Wilmette, Northfield, Mt. Prospect, Deerfield, IllinoisHave you been told that you snore at night? Besides the fact that snoring habits can be embarrassing, it may signal a problem that needs medical attention.
What causes snoring?
It results from a collapse of the upper airway soft tissues.
If you are a frequent snorer, you may not realize that it can be a sign of sleep apnea, a condition that can affect you during your waking hours as well. Sleep apnea is a potentially serious breathing condition that signals airway obstruction during sleep. This airway obstruction can cause several "episodes" of halted breathing throughout the night, resulting in a not-so-great night's sleep. Sleep apnea sufferers experience periods of halted breathing for at least 10 seconds per episode. In just those few short seconds, your carbon dioxide levels increase and your oxygen levels decrease in the blood. These changes can greatly affect your overall wellness if left untreated.
Snoring indicates a disturbance in the free flow of air. While snoring isn't always tied to the condition of sleep apnea, it can signal an irregularity in breathing that should be checked out. Irregular breathing patterns at night can have all sorts of consequences, including:
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Irregular heartbeat
- Dry mouth
- And many others
For sleep apnea sufferers, the condition has been linked to systemic high blood pressure, hypertension, heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), and increase risk of heart attack.
Don't take chances! If you or someone you know is a frequent snorer, make sure it's nothing serious. Talk to an experienced Glenview, Illinois and surrounding areas on the North Shore sleep apnea/snoring dentist for peace of mind.
To learn more about snoring, sleep apnea and the treatments available, call or email our offices today to schedule a consultation with Colonial Dental Group.
1775 Glenview Rd.
Suite 107
Glenview, Illinois 60025-2969
