Snoring
 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 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.
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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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