Anyone with a partner who snores loudly knows the frustration that comes from this common problem, but what some people do not know is it can be a sign of an underlying health issue. Most commonly, snoring can indicate someone is dealing with obstructive sleep apnea, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. If you have a snorer in your life, or if you are a snorer, our sleep professionals in Chattanooga want you to know that there is help available.

Sleep Apnea – A Dangerous Condition

Sleep apnea is one of the most common causes of snoring. This condition causes someone to stop breathing while they are asleep, then to snort loudly and start breathing again. This process disrupts normal sleep patterns, leaving the person feeling tired and irritable. People may need help to focus. However, it can also be fatal if the person stops sleeping for too long during the night.

How to Treat Sleep Apnea

While not all causes of snoring are sleep apnea, many are. If you suspect that you or your partner may have it, reach out to us to get a sleep study done. If we find that there is sleep apnea, we can help you get relief.

Sleep apnea has several potential treatments. One of the most common is an oral appliance that stops the obstruction that leads to sleep apnea. We offer custom-made appliances that fit your mouth perfectly. Another option is c-pap, a machine that gently forces oxygen to the airway while you sleep. This will keep the oxygen levels in your blood steady so you do not suffer ill effects from sleep apnea.

Snoring is often a sign of a serious underlying condition. If you’re suffering, contact us for sleep apnea testing and treatment today.