Snoring, Snoring, Snoring!
Terry H. Cunningham, MSW
Presbytery of West Virginia
I don’t really know why it is that people don’t like to admit that they snore. Maybe for women it isn’t thought to be lady-like and for men it isn’t manly. That is just a guess!
My concern however is snoring that is a sign of obstructive sleep apnea can create health problems for the individual not to mention the spouse who gets little sleep because of the racket being made during the night. The person who snores generally doesn’t wake because of the snoring unless awakened by the partner who isn’t sleeping.
Obstructive sleep apnea (breathing stops because the throat muscles can’t keep the airway consistently open) can lead to hypertension, cardiovascular problems and heart disease.
WebMD reported in an article “Does Snoring Have You Up All Night?” that 30% of those over the age of 30 snore. Most snorers are middle-aged and men. I have however, known a number of women to rock the rafters as well. I know that people make jokes about those who snore but it really isn’t a laughing matter. It is scary for the people involved. Not getting the proper amount of sleep can also create all kinds of additional problems such as how you function at work: your personality can swing because you are tired and don’t want to relate to people in a friendly manner. Your spouse or children can also suffer because you don’t have the energy to interrelate with them properly.
People complain about being tired in the morning even though they haven’t awakened during the night. They don’t tend to get the deep sleep that is needed to be completely rested. I have also had a number of people who have made necessary changes tell me how much more restedthey feel.
Some of the things that can be done include watching your diet; (eating a proper diet can take off the pounds) along with exercising can help you to actually breathe better. Alcohol in the evening before bed also isn’t good because it causes your muscles to relax and hinders your breathing.
If allergies bother you, there are over the counter remedies you can try. Dental appliances that hold your tongue and jaw in a way that allows the airway to get the necessary oxygen may help. You can talk to your dentist about having that type of appliance made.
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may be the answer if the other things don’t work. It forces air into your airway through a machine that has a mask fitting over your mouth and nose. It isn’t the most attractive piece of equipment but if it works it is worth its weight in gold.
The last resort is surgery. There are several different types that can be done such as increasing the size of your airway, fixing a deviated septum, or placing an implant in your palate. You need to have a consultation with your doctor to see what you would require.
The most important thing is, don’t put it off! You are risking your health and that of your loved ones.