Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Snoring is not just an annoying noise
Chronic snoring manifests during sleep and undoubtedly affects the daytime life of the patient. So much so, that this disorder can cause accidents at work or traffic due to drowsiness.
What is snoring?
It’s said that a person snores when air turbulence form in the respiratory system and makes noises. When this disorder remains constant for more than three months, we can already talk of chronic snoring, and when it’s over a year, it’s confirmed that this snoring is already fully established.
The risks associated with chronic snoring vary depending on the habits of each patient, such as consuming alcohol or smoking. But what no doubt is serious cardiovascular risks and hypertension are linked to this disorder
But beyond noise, snoring can be a symptom of something more dangerous for our health, Sleep Apnea.
This is a complete or incomplete obstruction of the upper airways while sleeping, causing a deficiency of oxygen in the blood. This situation generates a series of very important symptoms such as general tiredness, daytime hypersomnolence, memory loss and mood disorders, impotence and a long etcetera, which affect the patient’s personal, work and social life.
Treatment
Sleep apnea is treated with lifestyle changes, oral devices to relieve mild conditions, and respiratory and surgical devices in moderate or severe cases.
Medicines are not usually used in the treatment of this disease.
At Clínica Dental Solé we offer the OrthoApnea® device. The most comfortable and effective solution on the market.
OrthoApnea® is a revolutionary intraoral prosthesis that constitutes the most comfortable, easy and effective alternative for the treatment of snoring and mild sleep apnea.
Intraoral splints modify the position of the jaw, tongue and structures, ensuring that the airway is free, preventing the passage of air during sleep.
Lifestyle changes to avoid snoring
If you have mild sleep apnea, the only treatment you may need is to make a few changes to your daily activities or habits.
- Avoid alcohol and medicines that make you sleepy, it difficult for the throat to stay emptied during sleep
- Lose weight if you are overweight or obese . Even a slight decrease in weight can improve symptoms
- Sleep on your side instead of sleeping on your back, to keep your throat clear. You can sleep with special pillows or shirts that prevent you from sleeping on your back
- Keep the nasal passages clear at night with nasal sprays or allergy medicine if necessary. Ask your doctor if these treatments can work.
- If you smoke, stop it. Ask your doctor about programs and products to help you kick the habit.
