Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment in Omaha, Nebraska

When we sleep, some of us have a tendency to snore which can make for sleepless nights and gasping spells that make getting a good night’s sleep impossible. Snoring occurs when the air flow through the mouth and the nose is physically obstructed. This then causes the walls of the throat to vibrate which then creates the snoring sound that you (or your bed partner) have come to loathe. Obstruction can be caused by narrow airways, excess throat tissues, and even the tongue.

In many cases, snoring is a temporary problem that either goes away in time or is fixed when certain behavioral changes are made. For example, some people snore due to having a respiratory infection or some other health condition that temporarily impacts the airway and nasal passages.

When snoring is temporary, it’s generally not a condition that requires medical attention. However, when snoring remains a nightly event that continues for months and even years, it may be a chronic condition that requires treatment. Snoring alone can cause lowered blood oxygen levels, frequent awakenings during the night, and even spikes in blood sugar during sleep due to fluctuating adrenalin levels.

Snoring – A Symptom of Sleep Apnea

Yawning man with head resting in handSleep apnea and snoring tend to go hand in hand, though patients should note that not all snorers suffer from the sleep disorder. People suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) tend to snore because the airway narrows and collapses periodically, which not only causes snoring when the tissues in the airway vibrates, but can cause a sleep apneic to stop breathing altogether. These periods of non-breathing can occur hundreds of times in just one night, which leaves the body, especially the cardiovascular system, at high risk of damage. Sleep apneics are at a higher risk of diabetes, hypertension, heart attack, stroke, and even other problems such as dementia and certain cancers.

Some other common symptoms that are associated with sleep apnea include:

  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • The inability to concentrate
  • A lack of energy
  • Restlessness

But, since not all snorers will suffer from sleep apnea, it’s important that patients who may suffer from the condition undergo a sleep study provided by a sleep physician to get a diagnosis. After a sleep study, it can be determined whether or not you suffer from sleep apnea and if your snoring problem requires treatment.

Treating Sleep Apnea With The DNA Appliance

Image of the DNA Appliance on a model of teethSince obstructive sleep apnea results from an airway that is too narrow, the DNA Appliance is an ideal treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. In fact, it is the only non-surgical treatment that can actually cure obstructive sleep apnea. The appliance works by using your own natural genetics to produce more bone and tissue which means the device can actually enlarge your airway! With the use of the DNA Appliance, the shape and size of the jaw, mouth, and the maxilla (the upper arch) can be expanded, allowing for easier breathing. To learn more about the DNA Appliance, click here.

Don’t Neglect Snoring And Sleep Apnea Treatment – Contact Us!

Since snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, don’t wait to schedule an appointment with Dr. Roubal to learn more about snoring, sleep apnea, and the treatments that are available for both conditions. Ready to get started? Call our office at (402) 493-4175 or email us by filling out our contact form.