As a nurse, I have always felt uncomfortable hearing a person snore because it sounds as if the airway is obstructed. My co-workers would reassure me “He’s just snoring.” Well, it turns out that he may not be “just snoring”.
My husband, a general dentist was diagnosed with sleep apnea. This has allowed us to become aware of a major health risk. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, “It is conservatively estimated that at least 12 million Americans suffer from Sleep Apnea, most of whom are undiagnosed”
Sleep apnea means that during the night, you stop breathing. That’s a big deal. People with sleep apnea are at increased risk for a-fib, heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and accidents.
It’s easy to diagnose and there are several treatment options including a CPAP (mask and pressurized air) and a dental appliance that keeps the airway open.
If you snore, don’t feel rested when you awaken, if you wake up suddenly during the night and gasp for breath, or if you have GERD please ask you primary care or your dentist to be screened.
There are lots of resources available including the American Sleep Apnea Association and MedicineNet.com
I hope you’ll check this out for yourself or loved ones.
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As a nurse, I have always felt uncomfortable hearing a person snore because it sounds as if the airway is obstructed. My co-workers would reassure me “He’s just snoring.” Well, it turns out that he may not be “just snoring”.
My husband, a general dentist was diagnosed with sleep apnea. This has allowed us to become aware of a major health risk. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, “It is conservatively estimated that at least 12 million Americans suffer from Sleep Apnea, most of whom are undiagnosed”
Sleep apnea means that during the night, you stop breathing. That’s a big deal. People with sleep apnea are at increased risk for a-fib, heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and accidents.
It’s easy to diagnose and there are several treatment options including a CPAP (mask and pressurized air) and a dental appliance that keeps the airway open.
If you snore, don’t feel rested when you awaken, if you wake up suddenly during the night and gasp for breath, or if you have GERD please ask you primary care or your dentist to be screened.
There are lots of resources available including the American Sleep Apnea Association and MedicineNet.com
I hope you’ll check this out for yourself or loved ones.