According to the AMA (American Medical Association), 25-50% of adults snore regularly. From a “mechanical” standpoint – the air goes into the back of the throat, causing tissues to vibrate and that’s what causes the snoring noise. There are really three types of snoring, (1) the snoring that we may occasionally experience when we are sick and congested, unable to breathe through our nose, (2) primary snoring perhaps due to excess tissues or excessive relaxation of the tissues during sleep, and (3) snoring associated with sleep apnea.
Primary snoring can be a concern if it disrupts sleep, leads to dry mouth, increased congestion or increased mouth breathing. There is also some concern of a possible link to certain health problems such as narrowing of blood vessels in the neck, which can increase risk of stroke.
The greatest risk is when snoring is associated with OSA. In Obstructive Sleep Apnea the tissues relax to the point of blocking the airway. Common signs include snoring, gasping, choking, absence of breath sounds during sleep. Sleep quality is disrupted, oxygen levels may drop which causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure to compensate. So in the long term sleep apnea does increase the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack and other cardiovascular complications. In males, sleep apnea is also linked to erectile dysfunction.
Sleep apnea is not just a concern for adults. Children too may suffer from this condition. Poor sleep quality in children can lead to behavioral concerns including ADHD.
The only way to determine the true cause of habitual snoring is through a sleep study. Let us help guide you on your journey to better health for you or your loved one, and determine if myofunctional therapy can provide a lasting benefit.
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