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Ask the expert
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Snoring and sleep apnea solutions
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By Dr. Adam Moscovitch
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Q. My husband snores like a truck and keeps me up all night. Should I be concerned about his snoring and can we do anything about it?
You are not alone and 25 per cent of Canadian couples sleep in separate bedrooms as a result of snoring. Forty per cent of middle-age men snore, sometimes at heroic levels of 50 to 80 decibels (that's the noise level of a jackhammer). Although more common in men, women can snore as well, especially if they are overweight, pregnant, or in menopause.
The effects of snoring
Snoring can have a significant impact on the quality of the snorer's sleep, their partner's sleep, and the health and well-being of both. Loud, disruptive snoring can deprive both from the benefit of refreshing sleep even if the snorer is unaware of their snoring.
The lack of refreshing sleep can result in the following problems:
- daytime fatigue
- sleepiness
- memory and concentration problems
- irritability
- lowered sex drive
- reduced productivity and performance, and;
- increased risk of accidents
Even loud snoring alone should be taken seriously. However, when it is associated with pauses in breathing, and daytime sleepiness, it can be symptom of a more serious medical condition called sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea can result in all of the above, including high blood pressure, irregular heart beat at night and increased risk of cardiovascular complications.
Sleep apnea
Experiencing pauses in breathing -- regardless of how long -- is not normal. The good news is that diagnosis and effective treatment are available for snoring and sleep apnea. Getting the problem under control can make a huge difference in both of your lives, health, productivity, and performance. You'll also find that eliminating snoring and potential pauses in breathing can improve your relationship and intimacy.
Talk it over with your primary physician and ask if a referral to a sleep specialist/sleep clinic is needed.
*Snoring, insomnia, fatigue or sleep apnea: What's behind the snooze you lose? Dr. Adam Moscovitch from the Canadian Sleep Institute takes your questions about slumber-stealers from Apr. 14 to May 12. Click here to send in your question.
Dr. Adam Moscovitch is the medical director of the Canadian Sleep Institute in Toronto and Calgary. For more information about sleep medicine, contact the Canadian Sleep Institute at 1-866-98NIGHT (6-4447) or visit csisleep.com.
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