Ask the Physician
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | March 2022
My wife tells me that I snore horribly during the night and it keeps her up . I ’ m worried I might have sleep apnea , and am not sure what to do about it . John H ., Princeton
John , deep snoring at night can definitely be hard on your wife . It also is a sign that you probably aren ’ t getting the best night ’ s sleep yourself , which can lead to many other health conditions including high blood pressure , heart disease , obesity and diabetes .
Sleep apnea , which is when your breathing stops repeatedly while you ’ re sleeping , in particular can take a toll on your health , and cause fatigue and excessive tiredness . Sleep apnea and poor sleep quality can contribute to mood swings , decreased concentration , headaches , high blood pressure , and weight gain .
If sleep apnea is the problem , there are a variety of treatment options which are available . CPAP is a device which is extremely effective however other options include oral appliances , surgery on the tonsils and soft palate , and a weight loss plan .
John , it ’ s my recommendation that you make an appointment for an overnight sleep study , although if that isn ’ t convenient for you , there are at home sleep studies that a physician can order . The sooner you get to the bottom of what ’ s causing your snoring , the sooner you and your wife can both can a good night ’ s sleep !
For more information about Deborah Heart and Lung Center visit www . DemandDeborah . org or 855-646-3484 .
Zeeshan Khan , DO Attending Pulmonologist Director , Institute for Sleep Medicine Deborah Heart and Lung Center
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