Although the frequent subject of humor, in many
cases, snoring is no laughing matter! Not
only does snoring disrupt the sleep cycles of
other family members, but in the case of sleep
apnea, snoring can be a sign of a dangerous health
problem. Sleep apnea actually cuts off the flow
of oxygen to the brain, and in severe cases can
cause serious damage.
How snoring affects others
Even if sleep apnea is not indicated, the disruption
of the sleep cycles of family members can create
a hazard. Recent studies have indicated that repeated
disruption of sleep patterns can cause sufferers
to perform motor skills at or below the levels
of individuals who are legally intoxicated! So
even if your snoring is not a sign of sleep apnea,
it is likely that your snoring could be a real
threat to your loved ones, because impaired reaction
behind the wheel of an automobile can lead to
disaster regardless of the cause.
What causes snoring?
Quite simply, snoring is caused by a partially obstructed
airway. When you sleep, the soft tissue and muscles
in your mouth and throat relax, causing your airway
to become smaller. If your airway becomes small enough,
your soft palate and uvula begin to vibrate when you
inhale and exhale. These vibrations are the cause of
the sound most people call snoring.
What can be done to stop snoring?
Many traditional treatments use cumbersome pressurization
equipment to open the airway. A simpler, and more
effective method is to keep the airway open by utilizing
a simple mouthpiece that maintains proper
jaw alignment for safe and healthful sleep. This
mouthpiece, similar to a sports mouthpiece, allows
the patient to breathe through either the nose or
mouth.
On the left, without a snore prevention mouthpiece,
the patient's lower jaw relaxes and causes his airway
to constrict, resulting in snoring. On the right,
with the snore prevention mouthpiece in place,
the lower jaw is maintained in proper position so
the airway remains open, and snoring is eliminated.
If someone is snoring in your house, please make
an appointment for a consultation.
