If your partner’s snoring has recently become louder or more frequent, especially after gaining weight, it’s time to stop brushing it off. While snoring might seem like a harmless and an annoying habit, it can actually be a warning sign of a serious condition known as obstructive sleep apnea or OSA. If you live in Oregon, Milton-Freewater sleep apnea dentist Dr. Todd Schroeder at 4 Seasons Dental can help identify and treat this dangerous disorder.
Why Snoring Worsens With Weight Gain
When someone gains weight, especially around the neck and upper body, it can put added pressure on the airway. This makes it easier for the throat muscles to collapse during sleep, partially or fully blocking the airway. This obstruction is what causes the loud snoring and gasping sounds commonly associated with OSA.
So if your partner’s snoring has worsened alongside recent weight gain, it’s a red flag that shouldn’t be ignored.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to blocked airways. These interruptions can happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night, preventing deep, restorative rest.
Symptoms of OSA often include:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Daytime fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes
Many people with OSA don’t realize they have it. Moreover it is often a partner who notices the signs first.
OSA is Dangerous Don’t Ignore It
OSA is dangerous because it disrupts the oxygen flow to your brain and body. If left untreated, it increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and even depression.
If your partner’s snoring is getting worse, you have a real reason to be concerned. Thankfully, treatment is available and often non-invasive.
How a Milton-Freewater OSA Dentist Can Help
At 4 Seasons Dental, Dr. Todd Schroeder specializes in treating sleep apnea in Milton-Freewater using oral appliance therapy. This involves a custom-fit device that repositions the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep. It’s a comfortable, effective alternative to CPAP machines for many patients.
Getting diagnosed and treated by a sleep apnea dentist in Milton-Freewater could dramatically improve your partner’s sleep—and yours.
Take Action Today
Don’t wait for your partner’s health to decline. If their snoring is getting worse, especially with recent weight gain, it could be a sign of something serious. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Todd Schroeder at 4 Seasons Dental because better sleep means better health for both of you. Make an appointment today.
