Nearly half of all adults snore, which means that this problem likely affects you, your spouse, or another family member that you are close to. These loud snoozes can definitely be a nuisance, as they may wake you up at night, but at what point do they become a more serious issue? Your team at Sleep Well Dental Center in Fenton, MI, is here today to talk about when snoring requires professional treatment and how we can help.
Typical snoring can happen occasionally if you are congested, sleep on your back, or stray from your normal bedtime routine. If this happens on occasion, it may not be a serious issue that needs treatment. You may be able to relieve your symptoms after treating the congestion or changing the side you sleep on. However, if your loud snoozes do not go away even with these remedies, or you have been told that they are quite loud and wake up your partner, that is a sign that there is a problem. This type of breathing at night could be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is a condition that causes you to periodically stop breathing throughout the night and is often accompanied by loud snoring, dry throat, and headaches.
Feeling fatigued throughout the day can be harmful to your physical and mental health. Since you feel tired, you may have difficulty focusing, which can make it difficult to complete tasks at work or at home. This can cause an increase in feelings of anxiety or depression. Physically, you may notice an increase in your blood pressure because you are not receiving enough oxygen at night. As a result, you can be at an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and more.
Another sign that your snoring problem has become severe is if you have noticed that you feel worn out, even if you slept a full eight hours. When this happens, it could be a sign that your difficulty breathing is causing you to wake up throughout the evening. You might not be getting the deep sleep you need to wake up feeling rejuvenated as a result. You may feel worn out and irritable and have difficulty concentrating on tasks during the day.
If any of these symptoms feel familiar to you, our team is here to help. We may be able to help find a diagnosis for the problem and a comfortable treatment, such as with an oral appliance. When you sleep well, your overall health can be improved. If you are struggling with snoring, or your spouse often wakes you up with their loud snores, call Sleep Well Dental Center in Fenton, MI, today at (810) 354-7550 to learn more.