Is Your Snoring A Warning Sign?
Snoring might seem like a harmless annoyance—something to laugh about or ignore. Loud, persistent snoring, though, could point to something more serious. For many people, it’s a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that affects both your sleep and your long-term health.
Sleep apnea happens when the soft tissue in your throat relaxes too much during sleep, blocking your airway. When this happens, your brain briefly wakes you up so you can breathe again. These interruptions may only last a few seconds, but they can happen repeatedly throughout the night, without you even realizing it.
Keep reading to learn how to recognize the signs of sleep apnea and why getting help could make a big difference in your daily life.
What Does Sleep Apnea Feel Like?
With sleep apnea, you may wake up dozens of times during the night. Even if you don’t remember waking up, your body does, and that’s why you feel exhausted during the day, even after an entire night in bed. You may wake up with a dry mouth or sore throat, feel foggy at work, or rely on caffeine just to make it through the morning. Many people with sleep apnea also experience:
- Constant daytime fatigue
- Trouble focusing or remembering things
- Irritability or mood swings
- Morning headaches
- Restless sleep or frequent wake-ups
Over time, these symptoms can take a serious toll, not just on your energy, but on your health and safety.
Why It Matters
Research has linked untreated sleep apnea to a range of serious health problems, such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and even depression and anxiety. It can also increase your risk of drowsy driving and accidents caused by exhaustion. Dr. Higgins puts it simply: “Snoring is not normal or healthy. When your breathing becomes obstructed (snoring) or stops (sleep apnea), even for a short while, it can have severe health risks.”
There’s a Better Way to Treat It
While CPAP machines are often used to treat sleep apnea, they aren’t the only option. We offer a more comfortable, patient-friendly solution. Our oral appliance therapy keeps your airway open while you sleep—without the bulky equipment or noise of a CPAP.
Our team has completed more than 18 months of advanced training to bring sleep apnea care into our practice. We take the time to understand your symptoms and find the right treatment for your needs, because your sleep and health deserve proper attention.
Let’s Help You Rest Easy Again
If you snore loudly, wake up exhausted, or feel like something’s off, it’s worth checking out. Call our dental office located in Denton, MD to schedule your consultation. We’ll help you get answers—and take the next step toward a healthier, more restful night’s sleep.
