Sleep Apnea & Snoring

Snoring (noisy breathing during sleep) is a very common “affliction” – one that some people (and their partners) learn to live with, others choose to address and resolve.

Reasons for snoring are numerous, ranging from sleeping on your back, age and weight, consumption of alcohol, allergies, medications and various anatomical issues such as enlarged adenoids or tonsils, deviated septum, and others. Although snoring may not appear to be an extremely serious or life-threatening problem, it can very negatively affect a person’s quality of life.

A chronic “snorer” may suffer from morning headaches, sleepiness, fatigue, mood fluctuations, even elevated blood pressure and eventually heart disease and other types of illnesses. Unquestionably, partners of snorers suffer in their own way, too. Solutions to snoring may be relatively simple (pertaining mainly to changes in lifestyle) or more complex and involved, such as wearing appliances at night or undergoing some type of surgery.

Snoring is sometimes associated with a more serious condition called obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea refers to a partial or complete collapse of the airways during sleep. If pauses in breathing are noticed by one’s bed partner, professional help should be sought immediately.

This particular sleeping disorder is very serious and dangerous; if not properly diagnosed and treated, it can lead to cardiovascular disease, stroke, depression or even sudden death.

If you or your loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above (or has other breathing irregularities or difficulties while sleeping), do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to perform a thorough evaluation and make appropriate recommendations.