The effects of sleep apnea
That pattern of snoring, pausing and then the resumption of snoring with a snort is typical among those with sleep apnea. The Lung Association reports that one in 15 adults has moderate sleep apnea, with at least some of these symptoms:
-Snoring interspersed with quiet pauses, during sleep, as previously described
-Feeling tired during the day time
-Depression
-Headaches on waking
-High blood pressure
-Gasping or choking during sleep
-Memory issues
-Poor concentration
-Impotence
If left untreated, sleep apnea can have serious effects: sleep deprivation, stroke, heart attack, accident risk due to drowsiness. For more information on sleep apnea, visit the Lung Association's website.
More snore fixes
Fixed or adjustable dental appliances work by keeping the lower jaw in a more optimal position and may fix your snoring problem. For some, the solution may come with more drastic medical procedures like surgery to remove part of the soft palate.
"Surgery has the least evidence to show that it can work," says Graham. "In addition to the risk of surgery itself, one of the things that can happen is that surgery of the soft palate can actually reduce or stop the snoring without stopping the sleep apnea."
The most common treatment for sufferers of sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (C.P.A.P.), a special mask attached to a CPAP machine, which blows a steady stream of air through the mask, through one's nose into the airways. The forced air creates pressure and holds the airway open.
To discover what you need to do to help yourself or your partner through the difficulties of snoring, start with a visit to your doctor.
Recommended reading
-Read a downloadable Sleep Apnea Handbook courtesy of the Lung Association
-Restless Nights: Understanding Snoring and Sleep Apnea by Peretz Lavie
-Snoring From A to ZZZZ: Proven Cures for the Night's Worst Nuisance by Derek S. Lipman, M.D.
If stress is the culprit keeping you awake at night, learn how to relax, combat worry, sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed.
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