Snoring is a serious issue that sometimes can require immediate attention. Snoring is caused simply by constriction in the airways. This limits the air flow and oxygen that is needed by the body. Heavy snoring can lead to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea happens when the air passages allow no oxygen to flow through because they are so blocked. While light snoring may be harmless, it's important to pay attention to it. The snoring can be warming that the brain and body aren't getting enough oxygen while sleeping. Not getting this essential oxygen can lead to other health problems. Sleep apnea can even be fatal if breathing is restricted for long enough.
It is easy to see the symptoms of sleep apnea in a spouse or partner. Look for interrupted breathing, no breathing for continuing caps of over ten seconds at a time. If someone wakes up many times during the night, this could also be a symptom. REM, or Repetitive Eye Movement, sleep is where the body repairs itself. If the person does not go into REM, it can be a sign of sleep apnea. A doctor can also tell if there are low oxygen levels in the blood with a simple test. Of course, the most obvious signs of sleep apnea are constant drowsiness and irritability during the day. However, these two symptoms can be the result of something else as well.
People with sleep apnea are also at great risk for heart attacks and strokes. Low oxygen levels and sleep interruptions causes the heart to pump more and that causes a rise in blood pressure. The ineffective quality of sleep due to interruptions leads to low concentration and alertness during the day.
Talk to a health care professional or doctor as soon as possible, if you or your partner is showing signs of sleep apnea. The doctor will do a test called Polysomnography to correctly diagnose this disorder. Once it's diagnosed, the doctor can provide remedies to help correct the problem.
Mild snoring can lead to sleep apnea so it is best to take care of the problem now. There are many remedies that you can easily do at home without evasive surgery. Over the counter nose strips, nasal sprays, and herbal throat sprays are just a few ways to help 'cure' snoring. Sometimes you medicine's side effects can cause snoring. Talking to the doctor can help with this. Allergens and hayfever can also be cause, but taking over the counter allergy medicine or talking to your doctor will prevent snoring from happening.
Lifestyle changes can also be a huge help to stop snoring and help prevent sleep apnea. Obesity can cause snoring due to the fat build up around the throat that constricts and narrows the air passages. Obesity can also cause other health problems that can make sleep apnea more severe.
Snoring seems insignificant but it's a serious problem that can lead to sleep apnea. Talk with your doctor about stopping snoring to prevent serious problems.
Sleep Apnea CauseDr.Anita Choudhary researches and writes for asonor.com. Browse our site for more information about anti snoring treatment and related issues.