Loud snoring might be a symptom of sleep apnea.
Kram says sleep apnea can be identified by the following symptoms:
- Frequent daytime sleeping
- Choking or gasping when waking up
- Sore throats
- Frequent dreams about drowning or choking
Unfortunately, sufferers often ignore symptoms until a partner decides to
move out of the bedroom.
"A lot of the men at the [UCSF Sleep] Center are depressed because they
are not only disconnected from their spouse, but their kids as well, because
they are often too tired to participate in family activities," says
Kimberley Trotter, Chief Polysomnographic Technologist at the Center.
Sleep centers recommend that prospective patients see a primary care
physician first to assess and discuss treatment for possible side effects (such
as high blood pressure) and to determine if a sleep specialist is needed. The
specialist, if called for, observes the patient during sleep.
With a diagnosis of sleep apnea, there are a number of treatment options,
both surgical and noninvasive.
Surgical treatment focuses on removing the excess tissue causing the
obstruction, and it usually involves either cutting away tissue with a scalpel
or using a laser to cauterize and shrink tissues. An approach that has come
into favor in the last year is called somnoplasty. In this procedure, a needle
inserted into the back of the tongue microwaves the flesh, shrinking it as it
heals into scar tissue.
The most popular and effective noninvasive treatment is the CPAP (continuous
positive airway pressure) device, which gently sends a continuous stream of air
pressure into the throat through a mask worn by the patient. But it doesn't
work for everyone. "I tried using the CPAP in November, but the mask made
me feel claustrophobic," Altenberg said.
Another option is a mendibular splint, a dental appliance to prevent the jaw
and tongue from sliding back during sleep. It may be sufficient treatment for
milder cases, according to Kram.
He adds that those who seek nonsurgical treatments should keep in mind that
they'll have to use these devices indefinitely. In Altenberg's case, he has
decided to have surgery with the hope that this decade might be a little more
restful than the last. He's keeping his fingers crossed.