The Problems with Having Sleep Apnea

When some people snore, it isn’t loud or consistent enough to really be considered a problem. For many people, it can happen if they fall asleep especially tired, or sleep in an odd position that causes their airway to become obstructed. However, when snoring is a constant and consistent thing, then it may be a sign of a more serious condition known as obstructive sleep apnea. When you have sleep apnea, snoring is a precursor to your airway becoming completely obstructed, which causes you to stop breathing completely and forces you out of your normal sleep pattern.

You won’t be able to stop snoring

The snoring associated with sleep apnea is caused by the buildup of oral tissues that eventually clogs your airway completely. The sound of snoring gets louder as this obstruction grows and the pressure of your breathing increases. Because of this, it can be difficult to stop snoring without addressing the underlying sleep disorder that’s causing it. Fortunately, this is often possible with help from a custom-designed sleep appliance, which can offer support for your lower jaw and keep your airway clear while you sleep each night.

The silence after snoring is serious

When you have sleep apnea, the snoring that precedes each apnea episode follows a distinct pattern. As oral and/or throat tissues clog your airway, the noise increases in volume, becoming excessively loud at its peak. Then, the noise stops completely, indicating that your airway has become completely obstructed and you can no longer breathe at all. This is the main problem with having sleep apnea; the interruption not only forces you to stop breathing, but also forces your brain and body to wake from sleep just enough to clear the airway and start breathing again.

How to deal with a sleep apnea problem

Many people who have sleep apnea may not recognize it through the loud snoring, especially if they sleep alone. However, over time, the constant interruptions to your sleep pattern can lead to symptoms such as daytime tiredness and fatigue, an inability to concentrate or remember things, and other signs of mild to moderate sleep deprivation. In many cases, sleep apnea can be addressed with the help of a custom-designed sleep appliance, which can allow you to sleep peacefully and without interruption by keeping your airway free of obstruction.

Learn more about treating sleep apnea

Sleep apnea can lead to several problems with your systemic health by constantly interrupting your sleeping and breathing patterns. To learn more, schedule your appointment by calling Healthy Smiles in Gary, IN, today at 219-938-2637.