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Snoring results from partial collapse of the upper airway as the muscles that normally keep the airway open relax during sleep. As you breathe while sleeping, airflow through these collapsed tissues becomes turbulent, the floppy tissues vibrate, generating the noise we call snoring.

• Snoring worsens with age as these muscles become more flaccid.
• Snoring worsens with significant weight gains that result in fat deposits in the upper airway.
• Snoring worsens with fatigue as the muscles may relax further.
• Snoring worsens with alcohol and some sleeping pills and analgesics.
• Snoring itself can result in daytime fatigue.
• Snoring causes sleep deprivation for your bed partner.

Sleep Apnea occurs when the airway collapses completely and remains collapsed until sufficient effort is generated to overcome the resistance.

• The smaller the airway the more severe the apnea
• The more swollen the airway the more severe the apnea
• 30 million Americans have Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Patients with Sleep Apnea are:

• 2 times more likely to have hypertension
• 3 times more likely to have a heart attack
• 4 times more likely to have a stroke
• 5 times more likely to be involved in a car accident

Untreated Sleep Apnea may worsen:

• Diabetes Mellitus in patients with hypertension
• Open Angle Glaucoma
• Congestive Heart Failure
• Unrecognized Obstructive Sleep Apnea can complicate postoperative recovery

Sleep Apnea is a treatable disorder!
For further information: http://www.sleepapnea.org

Sleep Disorders Center at Regional Medical Center

Madisonville, Kentucky
(270) 825-5730 or 1-800-635-6506

Medical Director James Davis, MD
Clinical Coordinator Penny Hardison, RRT, RPSGT