Snoring and sleep apnea not only disrupt a good night’s sleep, they can have serious health consequences, as well. Both conditions are breathing disorders resulting from the narrowing of the airway during sleep. In the case of sleep apnea, blockage of the airway may even cause sufferers to stop breathing for more than 10 seconds at a time, often more than five times per hour. This lowers the level of oxygen in the blood, which causes the heart to pump harder and blood pressure to rise. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, sleep apnea can even lead to a heart attack or stroke. Some solutions are more severe than others, such as upper airway surgery. A common treatment for sleep apnea is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) breathing device that keeps the airway open during sleep. Mouth guards can also help. Other suggestions: Lose some weight (or at least don’t gain weight — that makes the problem worse), avoid sleeping on your back and avoid alcohol and muscle relaxants. The academy-run website, , is a great tool for finding nearby sleep centers that can help diagnose sleep disorders. Also: . The Washington Post
