It keeps your spouse, the kids and even the dog, up at night and can be pretty embarrassing when you are staying with friends and family, but is snoring anything more than just an annoyance? It could be.

People who snore have a 40% greater risk of dying earlier than their peers. Snoring can actually be the warning sign to a much greater health issue. Sleep Apnea, often characterized by loud snoring, is a serious disorder which affects your breathing while you are asleep.

There are two types of sleep apnea: Obstructive and Central

  • Obstructive is the more common of the two and occurs when the muscles in the throat relax.
  • Central occurs when your brain stops sending important messages or signals to the muscles that help control your breathing.

Sleep Apnea and snoring can contribute or be linked to other health concerns:

  1. Stroke
  2. Heart Disease
  3. Arrhythmias
  4. GERD- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
  5. Headache
  6. Weight Gain

Whether your snoring is loud and booming or light and wispy, it could be a sign to a much greater problem.

At Periodontal Associated of Memphis, we work closely with your dentist, and possibly physician, to diagnosis and treat these situations.

Contact us for more information so you and your family can sleep a little easier. And don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ and Twitter.