According to the Sleep Foundation, approximately more than one-quarter of adults experience snoring regularly. In the United States alone, snoring affects 57% of men, 40% of women, and about 20% of children.
Snoring is a widespread issue that can be light, occasional, and unconcerned for many people. However, for others, it may be a sign of an underlying sleep-related breathing disorder.
In this blog, we will explore the risks and complications associated with chronic snoring.
Risks and Complications of Chronic Snoring
Chronic snoring, especially that is associated with obstructive sleep apnea, may increase your risk for complications such as:
Daytime Sleepiness
Chronic snoring can disrupt your sleep patterns and result in excessive daytime sleepiness, impairing your ability to perform your routine tasks. Persistent daytime sleepiness can also lead to a decline in your academic performance or work, as well as affect your relationships with your family, friends, and colleagues.
Daytime sleepiness can also impair memory, attention, and other cognitive functions, leading to difficulties in retaining information or concentrating on specific tasks.
Cardiovascular problems
People with chronic snoring are at higher risk for developing an irregular heart rhythm or arrhythmia. Similarly, chronic snoring associated with sleep apnea is also linked to cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and even heart attack.
Stroke
Recent research has indicated a strong correlation between snoring intensity and the risk of developing carotid atherosclerosis (the narrowing of the neck arteries due to fat deposition) and stroke. This means the more prolonged and louder you snore at night, the greater your risk of experiencing a stroke.
Behavioral and Mental Health problems
Chronic snoring, mainly when associated with sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea, can result in various mental and behavioral problems in both adults and children. It can cause irritability, and mood swings, and impact a child’s behavior, learning, and school performance.
Daytime sleepiness resulting from chronic snoring also increases the risk of having mild depression and anxiety symptoms.
Injury
Injuries or motor vehicle accidents are one of the most serious complications of chronic snoring-related sleep deprivation. The daytime sleepiness resulting from chronic snoring can be so intense that it can put your life and the lives of the people around you at risk.
Studies have shown that sleepier drivers are at a higher risk of motor vehicle accidents, especially when driving alone.
To prevent the health complications associated with chronic snoring, it is essential to seek chronic snoring treatment promptly from a sleep specialist. A sleep specialist can perform a sleep study to determine the underlying cause of an individual’s sleep problem and explore different treatment options. Typically, sleep specialists recommend lifestyle modifications, medications, oral appliances, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and others for chronic snoring treatment.
Chronic Snoring Treatment in Weatherford, TX
If you or your loved one snores at night and feels frustrated and tired during the daytime, visit us at Lung & Sleep Specialists of North Texas for a thorough evaluation and treatment. Our Sleep Medicine doctor, Dr. Olusegun Oseni, can give you an accurate and efficient assessment and devise a personalized treatment plan that will work to help you get a restful night’s sleep every night.
If you would like to know more about our sleep specialist or the services we offer, schedule an appointment with us by calling our friendly staff today at (817) 594-9993 or request an appointment now via our online form.
