Snoring and Sleep apnea are the two most common conditions that are associated with a medical disease process known as Sleep Disordered Breathing. These conditions occur during the time that we sleep and our bodies are at rest. During waking hours, your oral tissues (tongue, soft palate, uvula, jaw) are in a position that allows air to pass through the airway with little effort. The tongue is forward, the mouth is closed and your airway is unobstructed and open.
When we sleep, our bodies become very relaxed. As we fall into a deeper sleep, the tissues and muscles of the oral cavity begin to collapse narrowing the airway passage which can cause
SNORING
or block the airway which causes
APNEA
.
The quality of your sleep affects your daily activities al well as your overall quality of life. People who suffer from sleep disordered breathing and their bed partners who are kept awake by the snoring often suffer from sleep deprivation and daytime sleepiness which may
Affect your productivity and performance at work Increase your risk of injury at work Increase your chances of having an automobile accident, and Cause strain in your personal relationships.
Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is associated with serious health problems which include, but are not limited to:
- Chronic sleepiness
- High blood pressure
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Reflux disease (GERD)
- Morning headaches
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Impotence
There are simple screening tests available that you can take at home to help you determine if you may suffer from these breathing conditions. Just click here for more information and take the test.
Additional information regarding Snoring and Sleep Apnea Facts and Treatment can be accessed using the links above and below:
