Snoring, which originates with disruptions in the air passage from the nose to the upper throat, can be mild to severe, sporadic to chronic. If snoring is mild and sporadic, then the problems it presents are thereby lessened, but if snoring is chronic, or worse, severe, health problems can occur at any age.
And snoring in one form or another affects 45 percent of all Americans, so it is not an isolated trouble spot. With serious , these health issues can result:
- Bed wetting in children
- Suppressed immune system
- Raised heart rate and blood pressure
- Insulin resistance
- Appetite problems
- Trouble with critical thinking
- Discolored and in misaligned teeth in children
- ADD-like symptoms in children
Notice that many children’s health issues can be caused or exacerbated by snoring, so it is not just a problem that affects adult bed partners, disturbing and keeping one awake while the other undergoes sleep difficulties that can lead to big health issues.
Some snoring can be stopped or ameliorated by good sleep hygiene and by using the right sleep position and pillow elevation, but severe snoring requires professional evaluation and intervention. Though evaluation and intervention sound threatening, in truth, many of the treatments to solve can be done in-office in a non-invasive and side effect-free manner.
When incessant snoring is also associated with frequent and repeated cessations of breathing while asleep, however, that condition and its results are even more amplified. This is a sleep disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA definitely requires professional help.
Using alcohol, smoking and being overweight also contribute to problems, so taking care of your body and watching your habits also can help stop prevent resulting health issues.
Bottom line: If you snore, you should do something about it by adopting better health and sleep habits. If you’re a chronic snorer, then you should seek professional help immediately and find a regimen and treatment that can restore you to normal sleep. Don’t let snoring and poor sleep rob you of the health and vitality you deserve.
