Some comedy shows and movies portray loud, obtrusive snoring as humorous, which it can be in the right scripted situation. In life, however, snoring is not nearly as funny, especially if your snoring deprives your partner of much-needed sleep. Sometimes, snoring can even indicate a serious issue that can place your health at risk. Fresno dentists Dr. Alex Denes and Dr. Claudia Denes can help you determine if your snoring is a health risk and help your partner sleep better by treating it.
The Effects of Sleep Deprivation
When your partner has lost sleep, chances are your snoring is not the only thing he/she will not find funny. Sleep deprivation can temporarily destroy your sense of humor as well as diminish your ability to think clearly. Other health behavioral and health risk associated with sleep deprivation include, but are not limited to:
- Daytime fatigue and trouble keeping your eyes open
- Trouble with your memory
- Depression
- A weakened immune system
- Increased perception of pain
- Stress, and a strained relationship
It May be More than a Snore
In some cases, your partner may not be the only one losing sleep over your snoring. Sleep apnea, which is characterized by extremely loud, almost dramatic, snoring, can deprive you of rest without your knowledge. When you sleep, the tissues in your mouth and throat relax and collapse towards each other. Snoring is the sound of these tissues vibrating as air squeezes past the diminishing space between them. During an apnic episode, the tissues compress completely, blocking your airway. Your breathing ceases for at least ten seconds, until your mind panics and wakes your body enough to restart the breathing process. Patients do not typically wake up from the disturbance, but the cycle can repeat itself hundreds of times a night, preventing you from falling into the deep REM sleep that your mind and body need to rejuvenate.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment in Fresno
If your excessive snoring is straining your relationship, or if you’d like to schedule a consultation to determine if you have sleep apnea, then contact your Fresno dentists by calling Fresno Dental Studio at (559) 297-1800. Located in the 93720 area, we proudly serve patients from Fresno, Clovis, Mendota, Orange Cove, Reedley, Selma, and the surrounding areas.