IS SNORING UNHEALTHY?

If you snore on a regular basis, you might be a habitual snorer. Some habitual snorers can be at risk of Sleep Apnea. There are three types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): the most common of the three, occurs when there is a blockage of the airway (comes with very loud snoring).
Central Sleep Apnea: much less common, it occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles that control breathing. People with central sleep apnea seldom snore.
Complex Sleep Apnea: a combination of the Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Central Sleep Apnea.

All of these can create several problems for the sufferer. If you suspect that you or a loved one suffers from sleep apnea, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. It can be difficult to know, as not all snoring sufferers have sleep apnea, and not all sleep apnea sufferers snore. It’s important to keep a journal to track your sleep and any symptoms that may appear.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common and the symptoms of OSA include:

Very loud and chronic snoring, including choking, snorting or gaspingr
Long pauses in breathingr
Always feeling tiredr
Waking up and feeling out of breathr
Forgetfulness and difficulty concentratingr
Restless sleepr
Moodiness and irritability

Just like snoring, anyone can suffer from OSA, but there are increased risk factors which include being overweight, male, over the age of 65, black, Hispanic or a Pacific Islander, a smoker or related to someone that suffers from sleep apnea. All of these factors could very well increase your chances of suffering from sleep apnea.

Can children get OSA?
Even children are not immune to sleep apnea, but it’s not quite as easy to recognize as it is in adults. Children who suffer from apnea may sleep in strange positions, can suffer from bedwetting, excessive perspiration or night terrors. Daytime behaviour to watch for includes hyperactivity, developmental or growth problems, poor performance in school and mouth breathing. The best course of action is to visit your doctor. If OSA is diagnosed, chances are the removal of the tonsils or adenoids should address the problem.

How is Sleep Apnea treated in adults?
Many of the same treatments apply for snoring and sleep apnea. First and foremost, if you are overweight, shed those extra pounds! Even severe sleep apnea can be remedied if not eliminated by losing weight. It is the best thing you can do for yourself and for your loved ones. Another very important change to make is to quite smoking. Smoking increases inflammation in your throat and upper airway and can increase snoring and apnea. Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills right before bed as they relax the throat muscles and increase obstruction. While you’re at it, cut the caffeine and heavy meals or snacks before bed. And like your mother always told you, maintain a regular sleep schedule!

But don’t forget to go and see your doctor if you suspect you have Sleep Apnea. They can help diagnose how severe it really is and confirm the best course of action for you. The Good Morning Snore Solution has been known to help those suffering from OSA by pulling the tongue forward, and stop snoring.