Snoring Could Be Affecting Your Health – But There is a Solution
None of us like to admit that we snore. Whether you find it joke-worthy or annoying, the fact is that for almost half of us, snoring robs us of a good night’s rest. Additionally, it could be a sign of a serious condition known as sleep apnea.
Who has the time these days to see a sleep specialist? With our busy schedules, it is hard enough to fit in any appointment that is not absolutely necessary. However, issues with sleep should not be taken lightly. Believe it or not, snoring can negatively affect your health, making it imperative that these issues become treated as quickly as possible. But without proper sleep, that busy schedule can rapidly go off the rails.
Learning how snoring affects you and also learning how our professionals at Merion Village Dental can help is the best way to get back on track.
What Does My Snoring Mean?
Snoring typically takes place when the regular flow of air is blocked or obstructed in some way. This can be caused by a number of issues, including:
• Being overweight
• Use of alcohol or drugs
• Muscle tension
• Obstruction of the nasal passageway
• Sleeping on your back
• Obstructive sleep apnea
Your snoring could mean that you simply need to change your sleeping position, or it can be a sign of a more serious problem. For example, it is believed that about one in five American adults suffers from at least mild obstructive sleep apnea or OSA.
What is the Big Deal?
Snoring and sleep apnea can have long-lasting health effects, and negative ones, at that. In the short term, those snores can make you drowsy during the day, irritable, and decrease your sex drive. And if you are really sawing logs, that goes double for your partner.
In the long term, particularly during OSA, however, your breathing actually stops. This happens over and over, increasing your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, and diabetes.
How We Can Help
The good news is that there are a number of snoring solutions available. A diagnosis can take place quickly as well. Merion Dental Village provides take-home sleep studies and then partners with a specialist on your behalf to diagnose your condition.
While some people with snoring issues or sleep apnea use cumbersome CPAP machines, dental appliances can relieve symptoms without the need for loud and invasive breathing devices.
One solution we offer is a custom sleep apnea mouthpiece that is comfortable, affordable and easily removed. We use an impression of your teeth to make custom-fit and flexible plastic trays that guide your lower jaw forward. This works to open the back airways and prevent tissues from collapsing. And since each system is custom-fit to your mouth, they stay securely in place throughout the night.
To accommodate your schedule, these appliances are created in a short appointment and ready in just a few days. You can expect an improved night’s sleep with your very first use of the system.
That improved night’s sleep can come with many benefits to not only your physical health but to your state of mind as well. Treating OSA can result in lowered blood pressure, increased energy level, and an improved mood.
Schedule an Appointment Today
As you can see, snoring is no laughing matter. Snoring and sleep apnea can affect both your daily life and your long-term health. However, diagnosing and treating the issue can be done quickly and easily. Schedule an appointment with our friendly staff at Merion Village Dental today, and a good night’s sleep is just around the corner.
