This week is National Stop Snoring Week and the British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association are raising awareness about the negative effect the noise of snoring can have on all areas of our wellbeing.
The level of noise that starts to have an effect on sleep is around 40Db. The noise of snoring can range from about 50dB to 100+Db.
Why it is important to help people to stop snoring?
Aside from the fact that snoring is irritating and annoying the noise of loud snoring over an extended period of time can also cause a number of symptoms:
– Sleep disturbance
– Hearing impairment
– Daytime functioning
– Mental health problems
– Cognitive issues; &
– Negative social behaviour
Sleep deprivation can also have a negative impact on body systems such as hormonal release, glucose regulation and cardiovascular function.
Loud snoring not only disrupts the partner’s sleep, it also affects the snorer and it can be an indication of a much more serious medical condition known as Sleep Apnoea.
What is Sleep Apnoea?
There are three types of Sleep Apnoea.
– Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
– Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA)
– Mixed Sleep Apnoea
OSA is the commonest form of sleep apnoea and is defined as the cessation of airflow during sleep preventing air from entering the lungs caused by an obstruction.
How do you know if you have Sleep Apnoea?
People with sleep apnoea may experience some of the following:
- Extremely loud heavy snoring, often interrupted by pauses and gasps
- Irritability, short temper
- Morning headaches
- Forgetfulness
- Changes in mood or behaviour
- Anxiety or depression
Remember, not everyone who has these symptoms will necessarily have sleep apnoea. We possibly all suffer from these symptoms from time to time but people with sleep apnoea demonstrate some or all of these symptoms all the time.
Most sleep problems and disorders are generally not covered under a Private Medical Insurance policy. For any sleep disorders your GP should be able to confirm any treatment available via the NHS. Alternatively, you can look to self-fund your treatment via a private medical facility.
If you would like to know more about Private Medical Insurance, please contact us on 01245 929 129 or email enquires@smphealthcare.com.
Information sourced http://www.britishsnoring.co.uk/sleep_disturbance.php