Contrary to what every sitcom has tried to convince you, snoring isn’t a laughing matter. Why? Because snoring is a breathing disorder that’s on a spectrum. On one end of this spectrum you have snoring, and on the other end you have severe obstructive sleep apnea.
Snoring is a sign that your breathing during sleep is not normal. It can even be a warning sign of a sometimes severe disorder called obstructive sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway is blocked during sleep, often by the tongue or the fatty tissues in the throat. When oxygen is no longer flowing, blood flow to the brain is reduced, signaling the brain to wake up just enough to gasp, choke or snort for air. Many times, the body isn’t awakened enough to remember this happening the next day, which is why so many people go undiagnosed for so long.
If someone tells you that you snore, gasp, make a lot of noise or toss and turn while you sleep, you may not be getting the oxygen you need. There’s a misconception that larger, middle-aged men are the only ones at risk for sleep apnea, but that’s simply not true. Women and children are diagnosed every year with sleep apnea disorders.
There are so many benefits to treating sleep apnea, including:
- Improved memory
- Better sleep at night, leaving you feeling more refreshed during the day
- Clearer thinking
- More energy
- Improved stamina
If you suspect you or a loved one may be suffering from sleep apnea, or you have been diagnosed in the past and are looking for an alternative to CPAP treatment, call Dr. Norman’s office today at (425) 374-1608 to find out how we can help.
