Frequently Asked Questions: General
Q.: Can snoring be dangerous?
A.: While snoring itself may be a disturbing habit affecting those around you, snoring may not be a major health hazard. It isn’t just daytime drowsiness and lack of energy, it’s the repercussions that can be dangerous. When the body does not properly rejuvenate at night, as it does with proper rest and sound sleep, the result can be falling asleep behind the wheel and other incidents. Lack of sleep can cause all kinds of health problems.
Q.: How does snoring turn into obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?
A.: When snoring develops into obstructive sleep apnea, you should be checked out. You’ll know because your bed partner will complain of your heavy snoring and struggle to breathe. With sleep apnea, you will feel excessively sleepy during the day and notice that your concentration and performance suffer. You may even fall asleep on the phone, during a movie or at work.
Q.: How do they diagnose sleep apnea and where do I start?
A.: First, your primary care physician will refer you to a specially trained sleep disorder physician for an overnight sleep study (polysomnography) usually in a sleep center. This test records body functions during sleep; electrical activity of the brain, eye movement, muscle activity, heart rate, respiratory effort, air flow and blood oxygen levels. Test results determine the severity.
Q.: Is there any self-help I can perform at home?
A.: Yes. There are some things you can do: Watch your sleep position (sleep on your side, not your back.), keep your weight at a healthy range, limit the use of sedatives and alcohol, keep any allergies under control.
Q.: If I don’t want to use the CPAP machine and do not want surgical intervention, what else can I do?
A.: A dentist with special sleep training such as Dr. Klein can be the answer. Dental sleep appliances for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea are similar to orthodontic retainers or sports mouthguards, but made specially for your mouth. Dr. Klein can design and custom fit an oral appliance for you to wear while sleeping which will prevent the collapse of the tongue and tissues. Sleep appliances keep the airway unobstructed and open in the throat. They can be used alone or in combination with other means of OSA treatment.
Q.: Is the oral appliance really successful?
A.: Physicians and dentists who have researched the effects of appliances have found that in a majority of patients, a well-made, well-fitted appliance will effectively reduce or eliminate snoring. It significantly relieves symptoms of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Realize the appliance will not cure the problem (much like eyeglasses don’t cure your vision problem, they only correct it). It’s purpose is to prevent the apnea and/or snoring from occurring. It must be worn every night to produce the desired effect. If you have any questions about the oral appliance, please feel free to call our office at 586-573-0438.