Kingston TN
Does anything disturb sleep more than snoring? But who does it disturb more: the snorer … or the person losing sleep because of hearing it? Snoring is annoying, but it’s also potentially dangerous. Snoring is commonly associated with obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep-breathing disorder caused by an airway blockage. As we breathe, air seeps past the blockage, causing soft tissue to vibrate. This results in loud snoring or gasps for air. The person snoring is usually unaware of the noises they’re making. That’s why it’s often the snorer’s partner who researches the associated dangers and seeks help. Keep reading today’s blog post for how you can help your snoring spouse:
Dangers of Sleep Apnea
Many people who snore know it’s annoying to others, but they don’t think it’s an actual health problem. Nothing could be further from the truth. Snoring is a sign that your body is struggling to breathe; it’s not receiving the air it needs. No different than water and nutrition, our bodies need air and sleep to thrive and maintain overall health and wellness. Severe health consequences would become a person without access to food and water. Likewise, a body suffers if it’s deprived of adequate oxygen and sleep.
Lack of quality sleep increases a person’s risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and other major health issues. Thankfully, prevention could be as simple as visiting our Kingston dentists at LakeView Dental Arts.
CPAP machines are often used to help sleep-apnea sufferers have a restful night’s sleep. The machines work by calibrating to the patient’s breathing needs. While the person is sleeping, the machine then pumps air into airways through a mask worn over the face. The downsides to CPAP machines: many people dislike wearing the mask at night, and the machine can be rather noisy.
If your spouse suffers from mild-to-moderate sleep apnea but the thought of a CPAP machine prevents him or her from seeking help, we have good news. Our Harriman dentists offer oral-appliance therapy: a discreet, comfortable and quiet treatment that is covered by many insurance policies.
What should I do if my spouse snores?
Encourage your spouse to undergo a quick and painless screening in our Kingston, Harriman or Rockwood office. If our dentists determine further testing is warranted, they may recommend an official sleep study. If your spouse is diagnosed with sleep apnea, we will discuss with your spouse our oral-appliance therapy as a treatment option.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Kingston, Harriman and Rockwood, TN
Snoring is annoying, but it also means the body isn’t receiving enough air. That means everyone’s sleep is disturbed: the snorer and anyone else in the room with him/her. This can lead to chronic fatigue, increasing the risk of accidents at work and home, and it can also cause inflammation throughout the body. Help your spouse live a healthier, more restful life by encouraging him or her to schedule a sleep-apnea screening today at LakeView Dental Arts. Contact us at (865) 376-9687, or schedule an appointment online.
