Snoring & Sleep Apnea
Insomnia. Sleeping Problems.
People in the United States suffer with different forms of sleep disorders. Proof of that is the growing availability of medication to help people fall or stay asleep.
We should spend about one third of the 24 hour cycle sleeping. We now understand that sleep is a critical process that helps the body recover and allows processing of information. Losing sleep may lead to significant functional and mental deficiencies.
Snoring
The cause of snoring is having a blockage in the airway passage. When the airflow in the breathing passage becomes irregular due to the blockage, the soft palate will start vibrating. This vibrating of the soft palate is what causes the snoring sound.
Snoring is a problem if:
- you stop breathing during sleep and have to wake up to catch your breath
- you are disturbing your sleep partner
- you are losing sleep because of your snoring
In addition to problems stemming from sleep deprivation, snoring can cause more serious health problems.
Snoring has been linked to increased risk of stroke; diabetes; high blood pressure; and heart disease. Snoring can also be a symptom of sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea
Snoring may be a sign of a more serious problem called Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA which is a partial or complete obstruction of the airway while we sleep preventing the adequate intake of oxygen. Sleep Apnea is a serious condition that can cause significant health problems and even death.
Sleep Apnea can manifest in morning fatigue, headaches, problems remembering information or concentrating. If you think you might be suffering from a sleep disorder Dr. Marin can evaluate the need for a sleep study and suggest different alternatives to help address these problems.
Other Sleeping Problems include:
- Insomnia
- Narcolepsy
- Restless Leg Syndrome
- Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)
Please feel free to ask Dr. Marin about Sleep Apnea, Snoring, or other Sleeping Problems by calling 626.810.5000 for more information.
