Snoring not only annoys you and your loved ones, but also can lead to greater problems. Frequent, loud snoring may signal the presence of sleep apnea. This treatable condition often goes unrecognized. If left untreated, you put yourself at a greater risk for more serious health conditions.
The most common form of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, occurs when the soft tissues in the mouth and throat relax and block airflow. Brief interruptions of breathing can occur throughout the night, up to hundreds of times, and they last from 10 to 20 seconds. These interruptions prevent you from obtaining sound sleep. As a result, you may experience daytime sleepiness, poor concentration, and slow reflexes.
Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea are:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Choking or gasping while asleep
- Long pauses in breath
- Daytime sleepiness
- Dry mouth
- Morning headaches
- Insomnia
- Forgetfulness
- Moodiness or irritablity
Over time, untreated sleep apnea can lead to diabetes, weight gain, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. I’m Corbet Locke, a Waco dentist, and I can treat obstructive sleep apnea. If you or a loved one suffer from loud, chronic snoring or daytime sleepiness, contact my Waco, TX dentist office at (254)776-4888 to schedule a consultation. I treat residents of Waco, Hewitt, Woodbury, Brazos and surrounding areas. Do not let your snoring affect your health.