There are two types of people: those who sleep quietly, and those who snore. While snoring does not inherently imply that you may be suffering from a severe breathing condition, it’s important that snoring sufferers stay on top of their health a bit more frequently. In some cases, snoring can be tied to certain ailments like insomnia and sleep apnea. So, can snoring shorten your life or not?
Does Snoring Shorten Your Life?
One of the most common questions our insomnia doctor in New York gets asked is, “Does snoring shorten your life?” In some cases of undiagnosed sleep issues, it can. In fact, people with major snoring issues and no treatment can have their lives shortened by over 40% from the average life expectancy. This is why it is so important to schedule a sleep health examination if you are someone who struggles with snoring.
Sleep Conditions Associated with Snoring
Snoring can be a bothersome or even a downright annoying habit for those who sleep with someone who snores. For those who snore themselves, it can be a sign of some serious health issues. It’s important to review the most common (and dangerous!) sleep conditions associated with snoring:
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious condition defined by crucial moments during sleep where the brain is cut off from oxygen due to blocked breathing airways or another respiratory condition. These short moments where the sleeper cannot breathe can cause a lot of destruction throughout the body. Loud snoring is one of the most telling signs that someone is suffering from sleep apnea. It’s important to seek out help right away, as the condition only worsens over time.
Insomnia
Do you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep most nights? You may be suffering from insomnia. Many signs and symptoms surrounding this condition make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep, and snoring is one of them. It is a good idea to visit your sleep health doctor as quickly as possible to get an effective treatment solution that will cure your symptoms and curb your snoring.
How Snoring Affects Life Expectancy
If snoring has been a significant part of your sleep habits for a significant portion of your life, it is critical to schedule an assessment with your certified doctor. There are too many conditions linked with poor sleeping habits that could have long-term health implications as serious as heart disease or even death. Not everyone who snores is diagnosed with sleep apnea or insomnia, but there may be other underlying issues. Some other health effects of snoring may include:
- Headaches & migraines
- Nocturia (having to use the bathroom several times throughout the night)
- Mental health issues
- Rapid weight gain or loss
- Difficulty breathing
- Trouble walking
- Fetal complications during pregnancy
- Loss of libido and sexual satisfaction
- Risk of physical injury
Sleep disorders typically affect a lot more than just your sleep schedule. If you are dealing with any of the above signs and symptoms of long-term snoring, you need to get in touch with a certified sleep specialist right away. Major sleep conditions can inform other diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, and increased stress.
Find Effective Sleep Order Treatment ASAP
Do you snore a lot? Does your partner tell you that you snore loudly during sleep? This may be met by other noticeable symptoms like trouble breathing, frequent headaches, and increased irritation. Regardless of how you’re feeling, it’s important to invest in the best sleep disorder treatment available. Get in touch with our snoring specialist in Manhattan today and schedule an assessment so you can gain more insight into your sleep health needs. Don’t wait to tend to the most important parts of your health!
