The dangers of snoringMurfreesboro, TN

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Snore Quiz

Your answers to this quiz will help you decide whether you may suffer from sleep apnea:

1. Are you a loud and/or regular snorer?
2. Have you ever been observed to gasp or stop breathing during sleep?
3. Do you feel tired or groggy upon awakening, or do you awaken with a headache?
4. Are you often tired or fatigued during the wake time hours?
5. Do you fall asleep sitting, reading, watching TV or driving?
6. Do you often have problems with memory or concentration?

If you have one or more of these symptoms, you are at higher risk for having obstructive sleep apnea.

If you are also overweight, have a large neck, and/or have high blood pressure, the risk increases even further.

Approximately one in every seven adults experiences sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).

Sleep-disordered breathing is characterized by numerous, brief (10 second or so) interruptions of breathing during sleep. These interruptions, which usually occur when relaxation of the upper airway muscles decreases airflow, lower the level of oxygen in the blood and, as a result, affected individuals are frequently aroused from deep sleep as they struggle to breathe. Symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing include loud snoring and daytime sleepiness. The most common form is SDB is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

When to See a Doctor

OSA can occur in men, women and children of all ages and sizes. Most people who have OSA do not realize they suffer from the condition. Often, it is someone else who witnesses the first signs of OSA.

Consult a medical professional if you experience, or if your partner observes the following:

• Snoring loud enough to disturb the sleep of others or yourself
• Shortness of breath that awakens you from sleep
• Intermittent pauses in your breathing during sleep
• Excessive daytime drowsiness, which may cause you to fall asleep while you’re working, watching television or even driving

Many people don’t think of snoring as a sign of something potentially serious, and not everyone who has sleep apnea snores. But be sure to talk to your doctor if you experience loud snoring, especially snoring that’s punctuated by periods of silence.

Ask your doctor about any sleep problem that leaves you chronically fatigued, sleepy and irritable. Excessive daytime drowsiness (hypersomnia) may be due to other disorders, such as narcolepsy.

Sleep Apnea may occur in as much as 20 to 40 percent of the Adult Population who are Snorers.

About 20 Million Americans have OSA and 90% go Undiagnosed.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is associated with Heart Disease Hypertension, Stokes, Heart Attacks, Type II Diabetes, Gastric Reflux, Cognitive Dysfunction, Fatigue, plus greatly increases the risk of motor vehicle accidents, personal and work related accidents, poor performance, depression and many other issues.

Snoring is known to be a sign of strained breathing, which can affect one’s ability to have a restful night’s sleep. Sleep Apnea is when a person’s airway is completely closed off (Apnea) or partially blocked (Hypopnea) for 10 seconds or longer, at least five times/hour, and one’s oxygen level is reduced at least 4%, and there is an arousal from sleep.

Many people don’t think of snoring as a sign of something potentially serious, and not everyone who has sleep apnea snores. But be sure to talk to your doctor if you experience loud snoring, especially snoring that’s punctuated by periods of silence

Ask your doctor about any sleep problem that leaves you chronically fatigued, sleepy and irritable. Excessive daytime drowsiness (hypersomnia) may be due to other disorders,such as narcolepsy.