When to Worry About Your Partner’s Snoring

When to Worry About Your Partner’s Snoring

Snoring can be a nuisance in any relationship. If your partner is snoring all night, then you might have trouble getting restful sleep due to the noise. However, the problem may go even deeper than that. In some cases, snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder that frequently goes undiagnosed in adult patients. If you notice any of the following signs with your partner’s snoring, turn to your family doctor or your dentist to explore options for relief. 

His or her snoring is exceptionally loud. 

When snoring is caused by sleep apnea, it tends to be much louder than other types of snoring. Usually, the sleeper will have his or her mouth open, and the snoring will be very loud and have a grinding quality, like a blender trying to crush ice. 

The snoring has an inconsistent rhythm. 

Sleep apnea doesn’t just mean snoring. Because the airway is obstructed in individuals who have sleep apnea, it will cause a sleeper to wake up periodically gasping for air. As a result, snoring is arrhythmic and may be broken up by long pauses. Usually when the sleeper wakes to gasp for air, he or she will not be conscious of the disruption. However, he or she is likely to wake up feeling tired and groggy the next morning. 

The snoring has recently become worse. 

Is loud snoring a new development for your partner? If so, it is wise to check in with a medical professional. Sleep apnea can develop at any age and for a variety of reasons. Even if your partner has no history of sleep disorders, sudden loud snoring may still indicate a serious problem. 

If your partner’s snoring keeps you up at night, encourage him or her to schedule a consultation with Dr. John Carson, DDS. Our practice treats patients with sleep apnea through custom oral appliances that help to keep the airway open during sleep—meaning that chronic snoring will be a thing of the past. To schedule an appointment in our Tucson dentist’s office, call (520) 514-7203.