 The
danger of snoring
Although the frequent subject of humour, in many cases, snoring
is no laughing matter! Not only does snoring disrupt the
sleep cycles of other family members, but in the case of sleep
apnoea, snoring can be a sign of a dangerous health problem.
Sleep apnoea actually cuts off the flow of oxygen to the brain,
and in severe cases can cause serious damage.
How snoring affects others
 Even
if sleep apnoea is not indicated, the disruption of the sleep
cycles of family members can create a hazard. Recent studies
have indicated that repeated disruption of sleep patterns
can cause sufferers to perform motor skills at or below the
levels of individuals who are legally intoxicated! So even
if your snoring is not a sign of sleep apnoea, it is likely
that your snoring could be a real threat to your loved ones,
because impaired reaction behind the wheel of an automobile
can lead to disaster regardless of the cause.
What causes snoring?
Quite simply, snoring is caused by a partially obstructed
airway. When you sleep, the soft tissue and muscles in your
mouth and throat relax, causing your airway to become smaller.
If your airway becomes small enough, your soft palate and
uvula begin to vibrate when you inhale and exhale. These vibrations
are the cause of the sound most people call snoring.
What can be done to stop snoring?
 Many
traditional treatments use cumbersome pressurization equipment
to open the airway. A simpler, and more effective method is
to keep the airway open by utilizing a simple mouthpiece
that maintains proper jaw alignment for safe and healthful
sleep. This mouthpiece, similar to a sports mouthpiece, allows
the patient to breathe through either the nose or mouth.
  On
the left, without a snore prevention mouthpiece, the
patient's lower jaw relaxes and causes his airway to constrict,
resulting in snoring. On the right, with the snore prevention
mouthpiece in place, the lower jaw is maintained in proper
position so the airway remains open, and snoring is eliminated.
If someone is snoring in your house, please make an appointment
for a consultation.
Learn more about the mouthpiece we use here.
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