By Mylene Samonte
Health Practitioner
Quality Care Group of Companies
Quality Sleep Care
A lot of people may think that snoring is normal. It is most often observed when tired or drunk; however, that assumption is wrong.
Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is physically obstructed. Air flow is obstructed by a combination of factors including:
• Obstructed airways due to deviated septum or nasal polyp;
• poor muscle tone in the throat and tongue resulting from a deep sleep, alcohol consumption, intake of sleeping pills, or the normal ageing process;
• bulky throat tissue often seen in overweight patients(this also affects children with large tonsils and/or adenoids); and
• narrowed airways, which affects 80 % of Asians
Health and social risks associated with Snoring:
• Cessation of breathing which will last for few seconds to minutes during sleep
• Frequent sleep arousal
• High blood pressure
• Heart enlargement
• Heart attack and/or stroke during sleep
• High risk to car accidents due to poor night sleep
• Marital dispute due to snoring
What is Sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing is interrupted during sleep. This interruption is caused by short (10-20 second) blocking of the upper airway. It may contribute to other health problems including hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, heart attack, and stroke.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:
• Morning headache
• Daytime sleepiness
• Tiring easily
• Irritability
• Palpitations
• Poor quality of sleep
• Abrupt awakening
• Gasping and/or choking during sleep
• Getting up to pee at night
• Teeth grinding
• Impotence for men
Many people have sleep apnea without knowing it. Sleep apnea can develop slowly, overtime. Many people don’t recognize the signs and symptoms.
If you think you have these signs and symptoms, see your family doctor to discuss them. Your doctor can send you in for a sleep study test. It is FREE – grab it now before it’s too late. Remember, HEALTH is WEALTH! Call Quality Sleep Care at 780-757-1490 for details!
