The danger of snoring
Although the frequent subject of humor, in many cases, snoring
is no laughing matter! Not only does snoring disrupt the
sleep cycles of other family members, but in the case of sleep
apnea, snoring can be a sign of a dangerous health problem.
Sleep apnea actually cuts off the flow of oxygen to the brain,
and in severe cases can cause serious damage.
How snoring affects others
Even if sleep apnea is not indicated, the disruption of the
sleep cycles of family members can create a serious hazard.
Recent studies have indicated that repeated disruption of
sleep patterns can cause sufferers to perform motor skills
at or below the levels of individuals who are legally intoxicated!
So even if your snoring is not a sign of sleep apnea, it is
likely that your snoring could be a real threat to your loved
ones, because impaired reaction behind the wheel of an automobile
can lead to disaster regardless of the cause.
What causes snoring?
Quite simply, snoring is caused by a partially obstructed
airway. When you sleep, the soft tissue and muscles in your
mouth and throat relax, causing your airway to become smaller.
If your airway becomes small enough, your soft palate and
uvula begin to vibrate when you inhale and exhale. These vibrations
are the cause of the sound most people call snoring.
 What
can be done to stop snoring?
Many traditional treatments use cumbersome pressurization
equipment to open the airway. A simpler, and more effective
method is to keep the airway open by utilizing a simple
mouthpiece that maintains proper jaw alignment for safe
and healthful sleep. This mouthpiece, similar to a sports
mouthpiece, allows the patient to breathe through either the
nose or mouth.
  On
the left, without a snore prevention mouthpiece, the
patient's lower jaw relaxes and causes his airway to constrict,
resulting in snoring. On the right, with the snore prevention
mouthpiece in place, the lower jaw is maintained in proper
position so the airway remains open, and snoring is eliminated.
If someone is snoring in your house, please make an appointment
for a consultation.
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