Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Is it snoring or something more serious...Your physician will discuss with you the various treatment options available that can help you breathe freely again so you get a good night's sleep.
Sleep Apnea
Snoring may be the first sign of sleep apnea, which is a serious health condition. With obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) your throat becomes blocked during sleep and you may stop breathing for short periods of time. In addition to snoring, you may also experience:
- Gasping or snorting in your sleep
- Waking up tired after a full night's sleep
- Waking up with a headache
- Difficulty with memory or concentration
Sleep apnea may also make you more likely to develop certain other health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
To determine the best treatment for you, your doctor will ask about your sleep problem and perform a physical exam. Frequently, a sleep study will be used to get the best picture of how you breathe when you sleep.
Snoring and the Somnoplasty Procedure
Snoring is annoying. If your physician determines you are a "simple snorer" and do not have sleep apnea, you may be a candidate for a somnoplasty procedure. Somnoplasty uses low-power, low-temperature radiofrequency energy to treat a well defined area of the uvula or soft palate. This procedure is done in our office under local anesthesia and typically takes less than thirty minutes! The somnoplasty procedure is virtually painless and allows for a quick recovery.
