Snoring can lead to more complicated health issues
Snoring may be an irritating and slightly embarrassing experience,
particularly for the spouse or partner of the person who snores. While
“sawing logs” might make a person the brunt of some jokes, snoring is
really no laughing matter.
Approximately 45 percent of the population snore. Of those, about
one in three men, and one in five women, suffer from a condition called
sleep apnea. Studies have concluded that people with sleep apnea have a
40 percent greater likelihood of dying earlier than their peers.
That’s because sleep apnea is linked to several serious health concerns, such as:
Heart disease
People with untreated sleep apnea are twice as likely to experience heart disease events or fatal heart attacks.
Arrhythmias
Obstructive sleep apnea is thought to cause an enlargement of the
left atrium over time, which can lead to the development of irregular
heart rhythm.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Both GERD and sleep apnea may be affected by excessive weight.
Sleep apnea and other sleep disordered breathing issues cause the throat
to close, which can increase the risk for GERD.
Stroke
The intensity of snoring may be related to narrowing of the
arteries in the neck, elevating a patient’s susceptibility to stroke.
Frequent urination through the night
Patients with sleep apnea occasionally experience nocturia, the need to urinate two or more times per night.
Headaches
A recent study of more than 250 habitual snorers found a connection between sleep apnea and frequent morning headaches.
Injury and accidents
Obviously, interrupted sleep that causes extreme daytime
sleepiness is a major factor in the risk for work or automobile
accidents.
Mental health issues
Lack of sleep increases irritability and has been shown to
increase a patient’s chances of experiencing anxiety or depression.
Sleep apnea may have additional links to reduced libido and pregnancy complications.
Mark A. Cruz, DDS, is a respected doctor, author, lecturer, and
researcher in airway dentistry. As the co-developer of a
Multi-Disciplinary Airway Collaborative, he has worked with other
physician specialists to share education and communication regarding
sleep disordered breathing issues. His advanced training in sleep
disordered breathing aids in his assessment of warning signs such as
excessive tissue, tooth wear, mouth breathing, tongue positioning, and
facio-skeletal development to diagnose sleep apnea.
For more information about snoring, sleep disordered breathing,
and sleep apnea, contact the practice of Mark A. Cruz, DDS, which serves
patients in Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, and surrounding
South Orange County communities. Appointments and consultations may be
scheduled by calling (949) 661-1006.