Is Snoring Harmful?

What is snoring?

According to Wikipedia, “snoring is the vibration of respiratory structures and the resulting sound due to obstructed air movement during breathing while sleeping. In some cases, the sound may be soft, but in most cases, it can be loud and unpleasant. Snoring during sleep may be a sign, or first alarm, of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Research suggests that snoring is one of the factors of sleep deprivation.”

Snoring is one of the most common reasons that we see people for an oral appliance for sleep. Other than the annoying noise, most would consider this ‘sawing of timber’ sound to be a mostly harmless condition, but this is not always the case.

Snoring and Pregnancy

Snorting breaths during pregnancy can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and pregnancy induced hypertension. In children habitual wheezing and heavy breathing during sleep can be associated with emotional disturbances, poor school performances and parasomnias. Self reported snoring can also be a mild but significant risk factor for stroke and coronary heart disease. Perhaps just as importantly, it’s associated with poor sleep and an increase in the level of next-day pain reported by bed partners.

Breath Obstruction and Sleep Apnea

The varying kinds of breathing being presented here may also be associated with sleep apnea. Associate Professor Udantha Abeyratne at UQ has developed a test for sleep apnea using snoring which is 93% accurate, and can even diagnose whether the snorer is in REM or NonREM sleep. A way to be sure if your or your partner’s ‘snores’ are related to sleep apnea is to conduct a sleep study and have it investigated thoroughly.

At McCloy Dental we can assess your breathing. We work as part of a team, so can organise for you to have the appropriate treatment, whether that is a full study, a referral to an ENT, or an oral appliance. Contact our reception and book in now to find out what treatment is best for you.