Snoring is disruptive to your sleep, not to mention those trying to sleep around you. And, it's often a sign of larger sleep problems, like sleep apnea. Shalini Paruthi, MD, the Education Committee chair at the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, explained to Shape that sleep problems — including sleep apnea — can result in diabetes, daytime fatigue, high blood pressure, and stroke.
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To top it off, a recent study, reports Shape, found "snoring and sleep apnea can harm your brain, speeding the progression of memory loss as you age." Yikes. But, don't panic: The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine's president, Kathleen Bennett, DDS, recommends talking to your doctor if you snore more than three nights per week.
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And, before you worry about needing a CPAP machine or surgery for sleep apnea, know that your doctor may recommend smaller solutions, including a mouth guard that will help keep your airways open through the night, and sleep packs, which encourage you not to sleep on your back. Click through to Shape for more information about snoring. (Shape) Related: How To Combat "Runger" During Long Runs
And, before you worry about needing a CPAP machine or surgery for sleep apnea, know that your doctor may recommend smaller solutions, including a mouth guard that will help keep your airways open through the night, and sleep packs, which encourage you not to sleep on your back. Click through to Shape for more information about snoring. (Shape) Related: How To Combat "Runger" During Long Runs