Just about everybody snores – at least 45% of Americans snore occasionally. Because snoring is so common, there are a lot of myths and misunderstandings about it. Its high frequency also means that it’s important to bust these myths, as snoring can sometimes be a sign of underlying issues! Here are some common misconceptions about snoring.
Snoring Means You’re in Deep Sleep
Not necessarily. If anything, snoring is a sign you’re actually not in deep sleep, as it is often a sign of obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea seriously disrupts your sleep cycle and keeps you from getting the deep rest you need.
Sleeping Pills Help Stop Snoring
Nope! Sleeping pills actually relax your muscles, which can make snoring even worse. Unfortunately, no pill can stop snoring, including misleading homeopathic remedies sold at some drug stores.
Only Overweight People Snore
While weight and obesity can exacerbate snoring, that’s only one piece of the puzzle. Snoring is caused by vibrating tissues in your throat, which are as much due to luck and genetics as they are to obesity.
Snoring Means You Have Sleep Apnea
This one is a bit more complicated. Snoring does not necessarily mean you suffer from sleep apnea; some people snore after drinking, or when sick, or if allergens in the room are particularly bothersome. However, snoring is absolutely a symptom of sleep apnea, and should be taken seriously if it is constant or chronic.
About Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Do you snore frequently? Does your partner notice sudden, jarring escalations in the volume of your snoring during the night? Have you ever found yourself jolted awake by your snoring? These could be signs of obstructive sleep apnea, a serious health condition that requires treatment.
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when some sort of obstruction – typically a collapse or out-of-place tissue – physically blocks your airway while you sleep. The airflow restrictions not only cause these unpleasant snoring episodes, but can lead to other health problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
Many treatments for sleep apnea exist, but one of the most cost-effective and unobtrusive is an oral sleep appliance. This custom-fitted device gently pushes your jaw forward as you sleep, with none of the uncomfortable masks or distracting noise of a CPAP machine! It’s also covered by most insurance plans.
Klooster Family Dentistry is proud to offer oral sleep appliances to our patients in the Triangle area. Contact us today to start the process!