Your Spouse Snores? What You Both Should Know

Snoring can be a problem for spouses because it prevents sleep partners from enjoying sleep together. Loud snoring can be annoying and disruptive, but did you know that loud snoring can also be a sign of a health problem?

Loud snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, a problem that can lead a person to stop breathing briefly while sleeping. If your spouse has sleep apnea, they could be at risk for a range of other health problems. It’s important to get treatment for sleep apnea. Your sleep professional in Alabaster, AL can help. Here’s what you need to know.

What Causes Snoring?

Snoring happens when there’s an obstruction in the airway during sleep. Light snoring is common and can be caused by a variety of things including allergies, a cold, enlarged tonsils, and alcohol consumption before bed.

Loud snoring is often an indication of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that occurs when the airway collapses during sleep. When this happens, the patient stops breathing briefly until they wake up and start breathing again.

What’s the Risk of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea prevents patients from sleeping deeply, and can put them at risk for a variety of problems including stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.

Sleep apnea can also lead to problems focusing and mood swings. Sleep apnea causes patients to be chronically tired and that can lead to interpersonal problems, problems at work, difficulty driving safely, and more.

Think Your Spouse Has Sleep Apnea? What Should You Do

There is no cure for sleep apnea, but there are treatments to manage the condition and reduce snoring. Some patients manage their sleep apnea through lifestyle changes, but many people need help from a professional.

If you or your partner needs sleep apnea treatment in Alabaster, AL, contact the professionals at Alabama Dental Sleep and Wellness.We offer a range of treatments to our patients and can help them manage snoring and other problems. Call today to get started.