| |
 The
danger of snoring
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. |
