What happens when you snore?
The first thing that happens is that your bed partner, if you still have one, is irritated all the time due to sleep loss — usually one to two hours each night. The noise level can reach 80-100 decibels, which is the same noise a chainsaw makes. And, of course, this has health effects for both partners.
Snoring can lead to marriage problems due to sleep loss, can result in the couple sleeping in different areas of the home, and the irritability can even lead to divorce. It also limits what can be done for recreation on weekends, as well as what can be done for vacations. Camping in a tent or trailer is usually out of the picture — some folks even buy two trailers! A cruise vacation would be pure hell if only one cabin was rented. And visits to see the grandchildren can result in the grandkids making comments about “that noise.”
The amazing thing about this is that it can be treated. But be very careful, since snoring is usually a symptom of a very deadly condition known as sleep apnea. So you never want to just stop your snoring without finding out if it is an indication that you have sleep apnea, since the health effects of sleep apnea are so devastating. Sleep apnea will shorten your life by an average of 8-10 years. It will also cause your health care costs to be higher during your life.
If you snore every night, you will have higher blood pressure than if you don’t snore every night. In a Finland-based study of twins, it was found that half of those over 60 snore. And those who snore nightly and have high blood pressure have a very high risk of stroke.
So, getting your snoring treated by a trained professional can reduce your health care costs and can extend your life. And don’t be fooled by the Internet hoaxes! The National Sleep Foundation and others suggest products to stop your snoring, but usually never address the fact that the snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea, and that you should be tested for sleep apnea before you purchase any product to stop your snoring.
The first thing someone who snores should do is to have a simple sleep test. This can be done in the comfort of your own home and will determine if you have sleep apnea. And if the test is positive, you can usually be treated with a simple mouthpiece, fabricated by a professional trained in the treatment of sleep apnea.
•••
Dr. Donald Johnson founded Northwest Treatment Center for Snoring & Sleep Apnea in Coeur d’Alene to help patients stop their snoring and live free with no limits! His office is at 114 W. Neider Ave. in Coeur d’Alene, near Costco. The website for more information is www.NWSleepDoc.com and the office phone is (208) 667-4551. Schedule a free consultation appointment today!