Snoring Doctor
Have you noticed that your snoring is affecting your health and life? If so, then it might be time for you to consult with a snoring doctor Bethesda, MD residents trust.
Some people might think that snoring is harmless, but it can be a chronic health problem. Snoring is the harsh sound that occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in your throat which causes the tissues to vibrate as you breathe. Sometimes even, snoring can indicate a serious health condition, which is why it is important to schedule a consultation with a Bethesda, Maryland snoring doctor. Not to mention, it can be a huge nuisance to your partner and put a strain on a relationship.
Snoring is often associated with a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) if it is accompanied by any of these symptoms: breathing pauses during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, morning headaches, sore throat when waking up, restless sleep, gasping or choking at night, high blood pressure, chest pain at night, and your snoring is so loud it’s disrupting your partner’s sleep. If you are experiencing any of those symptoms then you could have obstructive sleep apnea and it is probably time that you learn about your treatment options to improve your sleep and your life.
The Ins and Outs of Sleep Apnea
Not all individuals who suffer from sleep apnea are “snorers.” Sleep apnea, in which breathing stops or becomes very shallow, can occur without snoring signaling a return to normalized breathing function. However, in many cases, snoring is a sign that sleep apnea is affecting an individual’s health, quality of sleep, and – if an affected individual shares a bed with someone – significant relationship(s). One of the most common signs that sleep apnea is occurring, other than snoring, is fatigue that persists despite a significant night’s rest. It is, therefore, a good idea to connect with a physician trained in sleep challenges if you suspect that you might have sleep apnea, even if you don’t usually snore.
There are two primary kinds of sleep apnea. Most commonly, individuals suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, in which the muscles in the back of the throat relax to an extent that the soft palate, the tongue, the side walls of the throat, and the tonsils (if present), are not properly supported. When this occurs, a patient’s airway either narrows or closes completely, affecting oxygen intake. When oxygen intake decreases, the brain can alert the body to waken briefly in an effort to force the affected patient to breathe. This is one of the reasons why sleep apnea sufferers never tend to feel truly rested, even if they have laid in bed for as long as is recommended by health professionals for periods of optimum sleep. The second kind of sleep apnea is referred to as “central” sleep apnea, in which the brain fails to signal the body’s breathing muscles to properly engage. Some individuals experience a hybrid of obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Risk Factors
Anyone can suffer from sleep apnea, from premature infants to elderly individuals. However, there are risk factors which heighten a patient’s risk of developing sleep apnea. These risk factors include obesity, gender (sleep apnea is far more common in the male population), age (older adults tend to suffer from apnea more often), genetics, substance use – including alcohol and sleep aids, smoking, and certain medical conditions. Allergy sufferers, individuals who have narrowed airways (nose and/or throat), those suffering from congestive heart failure, individuals with high blood pressure, Type 2 Diabetes patients, and those diagnosed with asthma are some of those at highest risk for developing sleep apnea. However, it bears repeating that literally anyone, including children in otherwise excellent health, can develop sleep apnea. Therefore, if you suspect that your life is being affected by this issue, it is a good idea to seek medical attention.
Evaluation and Treatment Options
Here at Advanced Sleep Treatment, our goal is to serve our community by making treatment possible for everyone. We work with our patients to make sure that they are comfortable and choose the best treatment option for them. We provide our patients with the highest quality of oral appliances along with education on the best practices in sleep hygiene to better improve their condition.
A free consultation with a snoring doctor in Bethesda, MD – like one from Advanced Sleep Treatment – can help get you on the path to understand why you might be snoring and to discover a treatment that would be best suited for you.
We provide our patients with the proper tools and the knowledge that they need to make the best decisions for an overall healthier lifestyle. We are committed to our clients and that is why we aim to always continue our education for sleep apnea and various treatments to improve snoring.
We are always challenging ourselves so that we can be up-to-date with the latest studies and we take the time to attend sleep CE courses. We always follow AADSM and Medical Board protocols for treating sleep apnea. You are in safe hands with us and want to work with you to better improve your sleep and health so that you can start enjoying your life again.
We believe sleeping better means living a better life, and you deserve a better and fulfilled life.
Searching for a Snoring Doctor in Bethesda, MD?
If you have been searching for a snoring doctor Bethesda, MD residents turn to, you should contact Advanced Sleep Treatment and set up an appointment to better understand your treatment options.
Call us today to schedule your free consultation.