Snoring

Snoring isn’t a big problem for most people despite the numerous complaints one may hear about it. To many, everyone snores so it’s a condition that can be left alone and ignored. Right? Wrong. Even though most people decide to take no action to solve their snoring problem, the fact remains that snoring may be linked to a very serious health condition known as sleep apnea.

While it isn’t the cause for all patients who seek help from Dr.Harrison, having undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea can cause all sorts of health risks. Of course, for some patients snoring may be a result of something less serious, but sleep apnea cannot be ruled out unless proper testing (a polysomnogram also called a sleep study) and examinations have been completed.

The most common symptom of Sleep Apnea is that it leaves a person feeling tired and restless throughout the day.

Why Do I Snore?

For each patient there is usually a different reason or a combination of factors that cause snoring, but snoring usually occurs because the soft tissues in the throat along with the soft palate begin to vibrate due to airway restriction. When air isn’t able to flow in and out of your airway freely while you sleep, the tissues within your mouth and throat will begin to vibrate which then causes one to snore. The tissues involved include the:

• Tongue
• Soft palate
• Uvula
• Tonsils
• Adenoids
• Excessive fatty tissues within the throat

Though things such as a poor sleeping position or a cold or other illness may cause you to snore, if you find that you are snoring on a constant basis, it is time to consult with Dr. Harrison so that your snoring problem can be addressed and treated properly. Remember that snoring affects not only you but those around you, especially if your snoring is known to be quite loud.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea – A Possible Link

While not every patient who suffers from nightly snoring also suffers from sleep apnea, it never hurts to be tested for the condition. Knowing whether or not you suffer from sleep apnea as well will make finding the snoring treatment you require much easier. Those patients who snore as a result of sleep apnea often need a different type of treatment that is more focused towards treating sleep apnea as opposed to simple snoring.

Snore No More!

Though there is no guarantee until proper testing and diagnosis is completed, your snoring problem may be caused by sleep apnea, especially obstructive sleep apnea (OSA.) Though many snoring devices have been made to help lessen if not completely stop one’s snoring problem, if you have sleep apnea, just masking snoring is not enough.

If you’re unsure whether you have sleep apnea or if you’re looking to find the proper device that is suitable enough to use to treat your snoring problem, be sure to schedule an appointment with Dr. Harrison to figure out the best course of action.  Dr. Harrison is experienced in working with patients who suffer from sleep apnea as well as those who snore at night. He will help you obtain the proper testing and diagnosis with the help of trained medical professionals.

The most common symptom of Sleep Apnea is that it leaves a person feeling tired and restless throughout the day. This simply is because your body has physically not had enough restful sleep the previous night, whether or not you realize it. Because Sleep Apnea prevents airflow to your body, the lack of oxygen alerts your body to wake up to gasp for air. Though your mind may not be awake to realize what is going on, your body can’t help but to react naturally. The result is that you’re constantly tired and may even be falling asleep at inappropriate times.

So you may have the best intentions of sleeping 8 hours a night and you may even be in bed for 8 hours, but it doesn’t always mean that you’re sleeping.

Heard enough? If you are always tired, and you believe that you suffer from sleep apnea, please call today.