Many people snore, and may not have the slightest clue as to what the cause is. There are many reasons why one may snore, including:

  • Throat tissue that is bulky.
  • Obstructed nasal passages.
  • Muscle tone in the tongue and throat is poor.
  • Uvula or palate is long and soft.

Although there are several typical reasons why one may snore, many do not associate snoring with possible sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can be a persistent problem that can affect your life tremendously; without you even knowing that you have it. Although it’s somewhat of a task to diagnose sleep apnea, you may see signs of it on your own, and be able to tell if you have this condition or not.

What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which the sufferer has shallow breathing, or breathing is paused while asleep. Although this may not seem like a problematic condition, there are many side effects from having sleep apnea. Possible side effects include:

  • Lack of regular sleep.
  • Waking up constantly.
  • Fatigued or tired regularly.
  • Snoring, sometimes extremely loudly.
  • Irritability, due to lack of sleep.
  • Decresed attentiveness when performing tasks.
  • Vision problems.
  • Strain on the heart.

There are very real health risks associated with sleep apnea, which include:

  • Higher blood pressure.
  • Enlargement of the heart.
  • Higher risk of stroke.
  • Higher risk of heart attacks.
  • Headaches.
  • Heart failure risks.
  • Diabetes risks.
  • Worsening of ADHD condition.

Sleep apnea is not a condition that should be taken lightly. If you suffer from this condition, and you’re located in Toledo OH, it’s recommended that you seek help locally, for treatment.

There Are Two Kinds Of Sleep Apnea
There are two known types of sleep apnea, which are Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) or Central Sleep Apnea. The most common sleep apnea condition is Obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the soft tissue located in the back of the throat, collapses during sleep; causing obstruction of breathing. Central sleep apnea sufferer’s; brain does not tell the muscles to breathe; this is caused by the instability in their respiratory control center. Those with central sleep apnea, have no blockage of the airways.

Treatments For Sleep Apnea
Even though the problems that are caused by sleep apnea, may be severe, it is reversible, as well as treatable. If you live in the Toledo OH area, going to the dentist, can actually help resolve this condition. There are devices such as a CPAP, that can help to keep the airways open, which then stops you from snoring, as well as keeping the airways from collapsing during sleep.

Other possible treatments may be as simple as losing weight, changing lifestyle habits, decreasing intake of alcohol, using nasal strips or oral devices, and possibly even surgery. Don’t let snoring ruin your sleep or sleep for your partner. If you feel you may have sleep apnea, get it diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.