Allergies & Snoring
Hey guys, are you having a great relationship in bed until you fall asleep? Do you reach out for your partner in the middle of the night, only to find the person has relocated to another zip code? If your answer is yes, perhaps it is because of that age old universal sound, the snore.
Many people experience soft and rhythmic snoring from time to time. However, very loud snoring with intermittent pauses in breathing may signal a serious medical condition called obstructive sleep apnea. This condition is not uncommon, and is estimated to affect four percent of women and nine percent of men between the ages of 30 and 60. It is more common in people who are more than 30 percent above ideal weight and have upper body fat in the neck area, which in turn puts extra pressure on the breathing passages. This may then lead to a whole myriad of health problems.
The Dangerous Snore
The repeated awakenings associated with obstructive sleep apnea can cause symptoms such as daytime drowsiness, fatigue and irritability. Additionally, many people experience a headache upon awakening, have difficulty concentrating, and may even lose interest in sex. (Viagra users, take note)
Other common symptoms include frequently falling asleep at work (not a good skill unless you sell mattresses), while watching television or even falling asleep while driving. In fact, some scientific studies have shown that people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea are three to five times more likely to have car accidents when compared to the general population. Additionally, some people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea are more susceptible to dangerous and irregular heart rhythms, which can be deadly!
Your Wake-up Call
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please consult your healthcare professional. After a thorough examination and discussion, your next stop may be at a sleep disorder center, which is a specialized facility designed for evaluating your individual sleeping pattern. Don't double park, as you will be staying overnight.
It is important to know that sleep apnea usually does not go away on its own, but it can be treated if you suffer from mild sleep apnea, here are several suggestions:
- Safely reduce your weight
- After clearance from your physician, get regular exercise. Try not to do it within three hours of bedtime.
- Sleep on your side or stomach (only adults on stomach, not infants)
- Avoid alcohol, tranquilizers, and sleeping pills
- Use medications recommend by your physician to help you breathe through your nose during sleep.
- If you suffer from moderate to severe sleep apnea, special breathing devices would probably be prescribed to help you achieve a healthier and safer sleep
For more information on obstructive sleep apnea, please call the National Institute of Health at 1-301-496-4000.
