Snoring Dangers in Fort Atkinson, WI
Snoring Dangers and Sleep Apnea
One of the most common snoring dangers is sleep apneaThis link leads to Sleep Apnea page. While this is caused by a narrow airway, sometimes your airway might collapse completely, cutting off your breathing. This is sleep apnea, and it’s linked to many potentially deadly complications, including heart failure, stroke, dementia, and cancer.
If you are a loud snorer, you should check out our sleep apnea screening quizThis link leads to the Epworth Sleepiness Scale quiz to see if you should be tested for sleep apnea.
Common Effects of Snoring
Atherosclerosis, or hardened arteries, is commonly associated with sleep apnea, but it might be independently associated with snoring.
The sound of snoring is caused by vibrations in the throat and chest. These vibrations can cause tiny injuries in the major arteries nearby. These tiny injuries then scar over, which causes the thickening of the arterial walls. It also creates rough spots where plaque can accumulate.
Once you develop thickened arteries coated with plaque, you’re at an elevated risk for stroke or pulmonary embolism.
When a snorer wakes you up, you jealously think they are sleeping peacefully. However, the truth is that their sleep is troubled and inefficient. Snoring is the sound of struggling to breathe, and even if a person doesn’t technically have sleep apnea, they can experience some of the same symptoms.
Studies show that snorers are more likely to doze off behind the wheel, and they may be more likely to experience other types of accidents, too. In addition, their lack of sleep can reduce their quality of life and make it hard for them to get through the day.
Part of the joke about sleep apnea is how the long-suffering wife always has to cope with her husband’s snoring. Not only is it important to note that women often snore loudly (especially around or after menopause), but people don’t always just cope with a partner’s snoring.
Snoring is commonly cited as a cause for divorce (some studies say it’s cited in as many as 1 in 6 divorces). When both partners aren’t sleeping well, neither person is able to be calm, rational, or empathetic. Instead, even minor disputes can escalate out of control.
Whether you or your partner snores, it’s best to address it before the situation escalates out of control.
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"TMJ Specialist" is not officially recognized by the American Dental Association. Dr. Stafford is a general dentist with many years of training in TMJ and neuromuscular dentistry, even though the specialty is not officially recognized. However, Wisconsin requires the following statement. "Cosmetic dentistry, TMJ, Neuromuscular dentistry, and Aesthetic dentistry are specialty areas not recognized by the ADA that requires no specific educational training to advertise this service".