My Spouse Snores. Is It Sleep Apnea?

Snoring can be annoying and disruptive for sleep partners. Did you know that snoring can also be a sign of sleep apnea? If your spouse snores, seek help. See your orthodontist in West Bradenton, East Bradenton, and Parrish, FL, to find out whether your spouse has sleep apnea and what can be done.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when a person stops breathing for brief periods while they’re asleep. This happens because the muscles in the back of the throat become deeply relaxed during sleep. When this happens, the airway collapses, and the person stops breathing. To start breathing again, the person startles awake and then falls asleep so quickly that they don’t realize anything ever happened.

Most people who have sleep apnea don’t even know that they snore – unless their spouse mentions it. People who have sleep apnea snore loudly, often so loudly it can be heard in other parts of the house.

What Are the Signs of Sleep Apnea?

In addition to loud snoring, some signs of sleep apnea include:

• Irritability and mood swings
• Difficulty focusing on tasks
• Tiredness during the day, even after a full night’s rest
• Gasping while sleeping

What To Do About Sleep Apnea?

If your spouse has sleep apnea, they should seek treatment. Sleep apnea can put your spouse at risk for many other conditions like cardiovascular problems and stroke. To help your spouse get sleep apnea treatment in Bradenton and Parrish, FL, make an appointment at Orthodontic Specialists. We’re here to help!