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Writer's pictureEric Goulder, MD, FACC

The Dangers of Snoring: A Closer Look at Sleep Disordered Breathing and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Do you or someone you love snore, experience excessive daytime sleepiness, or feel unrefreshed after a full night of sleep? While these are common issues, they could still be indicative of a serious health issue.


Many may not realize that snoring can be a potential red flag, signaling an underlying and serious condition known as sleep disordered breathing (SDB). SDB includes fragmented sleep, upper airway resistance (UARS) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sleep and airway can have a direct impact on cardiovascular and brain health, and it can even take 10-15 years off of your lifespan. It also can contribute to the onset of insulin resistance that can lead to diabetes. These are some of the reasons why it is crucial to recognize its significance and explore solutions, and we are here to be your guide.


Taking Snoring Seriously:

Sleep disordered breathing causes disruptions in breathing that can prevent deep and restful sleep, leaving you at greater risk of developing other major underlying health issues such as: high blood pressure, diabetes, hormonal disorders, depression, stroke, asthma, acid reflux, weight gain, heart failure, cognitive decline, and even car accidents. Snoring can also be detrimental to your bed partner by disrupting their ability to get a restful night’s sleep. Individuals experiencing regular and loud snoring, especially accompanied by other symptoms like daytime sleepiness or morning headaches, should consider scheduling an appointment with us at the Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Center of Central Ohio for guidance.


What is Sleep Disordered Breathing?:

Sleep disordered breathing, which includes obstructive sleep apnea, occurs when the upper airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, leading to interruptions in breathing. These pauses in breathing can range from a few seconds to minutes, and may happen multiple times throughout the night. So, what do you do if you or someone you love experiences this pervasive issue?


A Lifesaving Solution:

Traditionally, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines have been the go-to solution for managing obstructive sleep apnea. While CPAP machines can be effective, they are a band-aid type solution. We want to help find you a permanent solution, which is why we partner with Complete Health Dentistry of Columbus to offer sleep screenings. Our at-home sleep screenings are a convenient and efficient way to assess the presence and severity of sleep disordered breathing in the comfort of your own home. This screening allows us to monitor your sleep patterns, identify potential issues, and take proactive steps to safeguard your health.


The Vivos Method:

Our partners at Complete Health Dentistry of Columbus offer a non-surgical solution to sleep disordered breathing through the Vivos Method. They are extensively trained to use this innovative approach, which focuses on correcting the underlying issues contributing to airway health, providing a path to better sleep and improved health for you or your loved ones.


Taking snoring seriously is not just about a quiet night; it's about prioritizing your health and well-being. If you or a loved one is experiencing persistent snoring or related symptoms, reach out to us at (614) 396-8703 for a comprehensive sleep assessment. Schedule today to extend your lifespan, and improve your quality of life.

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