You are trying to watch television when you hear it.
The noise is coming from down that hall. You had planned to go to bed soon, but hearing what’s on the other side of the door makes you wonder if that’s even possible.
Is there a monster in your room? Not exactly.
You may be married to someone who has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). That sound — that loud, loud snoring — is enough to keep you awake even if you weren’t sharing the same bed.
At Sleep Better Lexington, you and your significant other can get relief to help both of you sleep better. For sleep apnea treatment in Lexington, KY, call 859-251-5115 today to set up a consultation.
Know What Is Happening
That snoring can be really annoying, but it’s can be a symptom of a much more serious problem. Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect someone while they are asleep. It also can leave them at greater risk for cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and strokes. It also raises their risk of being in a car accident.
The real danger of OSA comes from the fact that people with this sleep disorder stop breathing when they fall asleep. When someone has this condition, their airways gradually close as they drift off to sleep. That amplifies the sound of their snoring … until the airways a close off completely.
When your loved one stops breathing, this puts stress on their body. Their body responds by waking them up, even if its just long enough to take a few breaths. This pattern can repeat dozens of times every hour and hundreds of times each night.
Each time your partner wakes up, they start their sleep cycle all over again. As a result, they never or rarely get the deep sleep that health experts believe is needed for our overall well-being. That can leave your partner sleep deprived … and you may feel the same if their constant snoring keeps you from falling asleep.
Know Where & How to Treat the Problem
Many people with sleep apnea are unaware that they have it. This is why the first step is often a sleep test to determine if your loved one has this condition or another sleep disorder.
If they do have obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. Takacs can help design a custom-made oral appliance for them. This appliance is somewhat similar to a mouthguard, only this is worn while they sleep. The appliance shifts the position of their jaw to stop their airway from closing. That way, they can continue breathing when they fall asleep. As a result, they can remain asleep and reach the stage of deep sleep that we all need.
For you, this also means they are much less likely to snore, so you can sleep easier, too.
Find Out How We Can Help
Don’t spend another night wondering if you’ll be able to sleep. Stop worrying if there is something wrong with your significant other. If he or she has sleep apnea, there is help and hope at Sleep Better Lexington.
Call 859-251-5115 today or contact us online to request your consultation.