SNORING AND SLEEP APNEA
Chronic snoring can be an indicator of a more serious condition called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea causes long interruptions in the breathing cycle which cause a diminished quality of your sleep and cause blood oxygen levels to decrease. This increases the amount of work your heart has to do, causing your blood pressure to rise. If sleep apnea goes untreated for a long period of time, it can lead to an enlargement of the heart and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
It is important to get tested for sleep apnea to determine the level of apnea. A sleep apnea specialist should consult with you and make recommendations for the treatment indicated for you. If you cannot tolerate a c-pap machine, there are other options Dr. Deegan can provide for you.
Dr. Deegan fabricates custom oral appliances which reposition the lower jaw forward and opens the throat for better breathing and less snoring.
