If you are tired of dealing with a snoring spouse every night as you try to rest, as a sleep specialist, we can help. Our treatment methods stop snoring and help your spouse live a healthier life with the adequate rest he or she needs.
Simple Snorers vs Sleep Apnea Snorers
If your spouse snores, there could be many reasons why. Many people who snore are just simple snorers, also known as, primary snorers. This is a common occurrence and should not be taken seriously. Primary snorers can be treated with over the counter products that may help, and the spouse of primary snorers can wear earplugs that will silence the noise. Although many people who snore are just simple snorers, many others have a serious condition and sleep disorder called Obstructive Sleep Apnea, also known as OSA. If you are concerned that you or your spouse may have a more concerning snoring pattern, related to sleep apnea, visit a sleep specialist for help. Snoring may not always indicate the condition, but almost every case of OSA has snoring as a symptom.
Signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
If your partner is a frequent snorer, gasps during sleep, or chokes at night while trying to sleep, these could be indicators that your spouse has sleep apnea. Some other common symptoms related to obstructive sleep apnea are restlessness at night, fatigue even after a seemingly full night of rest, agitation, and insomnia. Some patients who have OSA may not even realize they are not receiving quality rest. Many sleep apnea sufferers wake up several times in the night without even realizing it.
Even if you think your spouse definitely has sleep apnea, he or she will still need to be tested and diagnosed by a type of doctor that is sometimes referred to as a sleep specialist. Unfortunately, self-diagnosed sleep apnea will not be a means to treatment that will help. Once your spouse is professionally and officially diagnosed with the condition, you can pursue different treatment options that will help the snoring to cease and will help your spouse become healthier.
Sleep Specialist Treatments
One of the most common treatments suggested that we suggest is oral appliance therapy. An oral appliance is a treatment option that looks similar to a retainer or mouth guard. The appliance will be created and fitted by a sleep specialist or dentist, and your spouse will be required to wear it while he or she sleeps. The appliance works in one of two ways— one version of an oral appliance is worn in order to hold the jaw in a forward position. This helps keep the airway open for easy access to oxygen and no snoring. The second version of the oral appliance holds the tongue in place. This option is used for patients who have a large, floppy tongue or excess throat tissues that block their airways as they sleep. As a sleep specialist, we can help you to determine which option is best for your spouse’s needs.
Visit our office to learn more about our treatment options. Don’t let your spouse suffer, and don’t deprive yourself of sleep when we can help.