Things That Go Gurgle in the Night
Restful sleep for many may seem like an impossible fantasy. There are many reasons why our sleep can be affected, but if you’re not getting enough sleep because of a snoring spouse or you yourself tend to snore the problem may be bigger than you think. A recent Newsweek article discusses the risks and remedies for people who snore or live with those who do.
If the snoring is persistent and loud the problem could be something called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition in which the sufferer stops breathing repeatedly as they sleep. A person with sleep apnea can wake up as many as 100 times a night without even knowing it.
In patients with sleep apnea, the sound of snoring occurs because of an obstruction or a narrowing of the airway. The more the airway is narrowed the harder it can be for the body to work to push air out which also puts stress on the heart. A past director of the New York University Sleep Center, Joyce Walseben says this is the very reason why people who snore loudly tend to have high blood pressure. “People who are just snorers have higher incidence of stroke and cardiovascular disorders,” said Walseben.
A recent study published in the journal Sleep found that loud snorers had a 40 percent greater risk than those who do not snore to have high blood pressure, a 34 percent greater risk of having a heart attack and a 67 percent greater chance of having a stroke.
Snoring usually worsens with age and affects both men and women about equally. Menopause and weight are thought to be a factor as well. Sleep specialists estimate that somewhere between 12 and 18 million Americans have some form of sleep apnea and do not even know it.
The effects of sleep apnea may sound frightening, but it can be very treatable. Doctors are now giving patients something called a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine (CPAP). If used correctly it is said to improve mental clarity, energy levels, and an overall improvement in one’s mood. The CPAP is a mask that helps force oxygen into the airway while the patient sleeps. When used properly it is 100 percent effective.
People who snore, but do not suffer sleep apnea can take other measures to have a more restful night such as avoiding big meals and alcohol before bed. Refraining from taking antihistamines and other drugs that have a sedating effect is also a good idea as well as maintaining a healthy weight and sleeping on one’s side.
What do you think about the link between snoring and high blood pressure?
Have you or your spouse found a good a way to stop snoring?
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cometgirl | Fort Washington, PAhmmmm...I think that is an option for my husband but he was told it would be very painful and we would have to pay out of pocket for it as well....I can't believe your husband continues snoring after it...BUMMER...guess I won't be pursuing that avenue!
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sandraatlanta | FLEMINGTON, NJMy hubby even had SURGERY to correct his snoring problem - they cut part of his uvula off and it was very painful to recover from. A year later - he is snoring just as loudly as before again. It's frustrating for us both.
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cometgirl | Fort Washington, PAHas anyone tried the new dental device by PureSleep???? Was going to purchase it for my husband b/c I know he has soft palate issues which this company mentions but was leary to spend $60
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amynick | ROCKPORT, MAMy boyfriend has bad apnea and snored very loudly. He now has cpap and I sleep much better, as does he. Apnea is bad for your heart. You are robbed of oxygen all those times you're not breathing. Sleep:Good, Health:Good, Sleeping With Darth Vader:Not so Hot, if you know what I mean.
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egindin | reading, PAI was recently tested for sleep apnea. It's really painless and everyone who suspects they have it should make the effort to get tested. It requires an overnight stay at the hospital. Electrodes and other monitors are placed on your head and body, which monitors your body movement, # of times you wake up, oxygen saturation, and other factors.
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rmhartsell | Hoover, ALMy husband tells me that the Breathe Right Nasal strips have made a big difference in my snoring and sleep apnea.
I also avoid caffinee at night if I can help it!
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scrap728 | Buffalo, NYMy husband has Sleep Apnea and went for the test for a cpap machine...He and other patients at the clinic walked out! He said that he felt like he was drowning when they started forcing air down his throat and had chest pains so bad that he thought he was going to have a heart attack...I also know people that do have those machines and are happy with them...Anyone going for the test I would make sure the people doing the test are really quallified!
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r8derswife355 | mira loma, CAI have not slept in the same bed as my husband for over a year, because of my snoring and waking at all hours . its vey stressfull and my love life has gone down the drain
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tonibegood | beverly Hills, CAmy husband makes noises at night that could rattle the dead. the decibel level next to my head is driving me nuts. so loud. so, so loud. i. am. always. sleeeepy...
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uniqueusername | Pittsburg, KSI know that when my husband snores bad at night he wakes up groggy and very tired... I can also see how blood pressure would be a problem. My grandmother snores terrible and always has she has extremley high blood pressure and heart issues.. It makes since, you need rest in order to survive.
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JoeyWallace1978 | Bartlett, TXI snore too much!
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IllCUATDSTARS | Temple, TXI know I need that test too , keep everyone awake.
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sharman421 | TALLAHASSEE, FLI'm always tired. I know I snore sometimes. I need to get that test.
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laurielew | AUBURN HILLS, MII am so sick and tired of my hubby snoring that I could scream!! He uses the snore right ( BREATH RIGHT) strips and the snore right (BREATH RIGHT) dissovable strips and still snores!! I swear I am ready for him to get the plug in mask but I feel mean doing so. Maybe I should I wear earplugs I am already using tylenol pm or midnight or any other thing on sale just so I can try not to wake up all night..It feels like I am sleeping next to a giant pig or wart hog!!!! I even have called him Jodie (the pig from Amittyville horror). And he has even woken himself up snoring and has dreamed of someone snoring (uh could it be him??) Yet he will not go in to the doctor for the sleep testing...Any suggestions PLEASE!! and btw pulling the male part doesn't stop the snoring just P***es them off!! My friend is a nurse and swore that stops the snoring..it didn't work...
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Normamay | Miramar, FLThe link between snoring and high blood pressure makes sense to me and also gives me a reason to force my husband to talk to his doctor about his snoring haha. It has gotten worse and a lot louder the last couple years, keeps me up at night, and doesn't let him get the sleep he should. At least there's some treatment though, hopefully something will work!
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