A Stop to Snoring: A Great Gift for Your Partner

Valentine’s Day gifts can come in all shapes and sizes. If you’re thinking of getting your partner a present that they truly need, you may think of looking into ways to put a stop to their chronic snoring. Not only will this result in quieter nights, but it could potentially mean helping your partner avoid the worst consequences of a serious sleep disorder. Read on to learn more about snoring and what solutions are available.

Why is Your Partner Snoring?

If your partner loudly snores on a regular basis, then there’s a good chance that they have sleep apnea. This is a disorder where a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and restarts while they’re asleep. The most common form of this disorder is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the airway is blocked by relaxed tissues. The sound of snoring occurs when air tries to move past these tissues.

Snoring isn’t always connected to sleep apnea, but if it is, it’s an issue that needs to be taken very seriously. Sleep apnea can have severe health consequences such as a higher risk for heart problems and strokes. On top of that, sleep apnea often results in excessive drowsiness, leading to poor performance at work and an increased chance of getting into accidents while driving.

How Can Snoring Be Treated?

Helping your partner take the steps they need to treat the source of their snoring can be an excellent gift. Step one is to take whatever steps are necessary to have their sleep problem diagnosed. Then you can work with them to figure out the best form of treatment.

Many snorers and sleep apnea sufferers can benefit from wearing an oral appliance. This simple device can hold the jaw in a slightly forward position and/or prevent the tongue from collapsing. Wearing an oral appliance helps keep the airway clear, thus reducing snoring and making sleep apnea less severe.

It should be noted, though, that not everyone with sleep apnea is eligible for an oral appliance. Typically, this form of treatment works best for mild to moderate sleep disorders. Particularly advanced cases might call for other solutions.

Putting a stop to your partner’s snoring could mean better quality sleep for them and more peaceful nights for you. If you have reason to think your partner might have sleep apnea, talk to them about it so that you can start exploring possible treatments together.

About the Author

Dr. Deborah A. Romack is dedicated to continuing her education so that she can stay up to date with advancements in the field of sleep dentistry. At Weatherford Dental Sleep Medicine, she can provide personalized oral appliances to help patients who are struggling with loud snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Romack, visit her website or call (817) 594-3806.