Sleep Apnea

As bad as snoring can be for the person with sleep apnea, snoring can cause martial problems and lead to insomnia, headaches, and daytime fatigue for the partner. Snoring can lead to obstructive sleep apnea- the collapse of the upper airway that disrupts breathing and can lead to decreased blood oxygen. Sleep apnea is associated with depression, heart attacks, and diabetes. 90% of people with sleep apnea aren't even diagnosed. Many people may not realize they have sleep apnea, but eventually the symptoms will eventually become noticed.  The definitive diagnosis requires a sleep study by a physician. 

There are treatments- surgery, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, oral appliances, and even oral laser treatment. As dentists we can fabricate oral appliances and perform oral laser therapy. For patients who are reluctant to try CPAP, dental treatments are a worthy option. 

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/25/upshot/i-learned-i-have-sleep-apnea-its-more-serious-than-many-people-realize.html