Sure - snoring is annoying. But can it actually be deadly?
No - this does not mean being strangled in the middle of the night by a severely annoyed spouse or partner! But the fact is, snoring is often related to sleep apnea, a condition where the body is deprived of oxygen during a night of heavy zzzzz's.
One obvious problem this causes is being tired during the day, contributing to automobile and workplace accidents. But even worse, sleep apnea, which is experienced by 30 million Americans, has been scientifically linked to obesity, high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks & diabetes. So if that low rumbling sound that keeps the entire neighborhood awake isn't enough, now there is much more reason for concern.
But wait - it actually gets worse. A study performed at The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine has just shown a significant link between sleep apnea and cancer, showing this condition increases the risk of cancer death by almost a factor of five!
"This is really big news," said Dr. Joseph Golish, a professor of sleep medicine with the MetroHealth System in Cleveland. "It's the first time this has been shown, and it looks like a very solid association," he said.
There is no doubt that snoring can be much more serious than just a nighttime disturbance. So what can you do if you or a loved one may suffer from sleep apnea?
Fortunately, there are many ways to have this condition treated, all the way from simple dental appliances, to surgery, to wearing nighttime contraptions that make you look (and sound) like Darth Vader! Your dentist and physician can recommend the appropriate treatment for you.
At DeLand Smiles, we would be glad to take a look and discuss your snoring issues or any other dental questions you may have. Let's make tonight a quiet one!!
