Question: My husband snores and keeps me awake at night, but I don’t want to sleep in a different room. (We’ve been married 42 years!) Is there anything I can do? Earplugs don’t work.
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Snoring usually reflects some degree of airway obstruction. Be sure his doctor is aware of this. Appropriate screening for sleep apnea is advisable, especially if your husband has pauses in breathing, awakens at night, or if he seems tired or has a headache in the morning.
Sleep apnea is a very serious life-threatening condition that is responsible for significant adverse effects, including stroke, heart attack, and even sudden death when untreated. Your doctor may elect weight management or other interventional management strategies.
Screening devices for sleep apnea are available now without patients having to use a sleep lab. CPAP masks — short for continuous positive airway pressure — or customized nasal delivery appliances are the gold standard for sleep apnea management. Surgery is rarely useful.
Remember: Some people can't tolerate CPAP masks, and there are some who will have relief of obstruction by the use of customized dental appliances, so be sure to keep your doctor and your dentist in the loop.
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