Although often regarded as an inevitable, and annoying part of many people's lives, snoring can actually be a symptom of a more serious breathing disorder. Even moderate snoring can adversely affect your health, as it interferes with the restful night's sleep that is essential to function properly throughout the day. Snoring can also be a symptom of sleep apnea , a serious condition that can be monitored by our Short Pump VA dentists. When a person involuntarily stops breathing for 10 seconds or more periodically throughout the night while sleeping, they may be suffering from sleep apnea. Both snoring and sleep apnea are indicative of obstructed airways; loud snoring is caused by a partially obstructed airway, while sleep apnea is caused by a completely obstructed airway and can be extremely dangerous if left untreated. While many people who suffer from sleep apnea also snore, others are relatively quiet during sleep. If you do not snore but suffer from sleepiness during the daytime, poor memory function, or persistent headaches, you may still have a sleeping disorder like sleep apnea. If you suspect you are suffering from sleep apnea, we encourage you to visit our Midlothian office as soon as possible for a check-up.We are able to effectively treat sleeping disorders such as chronic snoring and sleep apnea at our Short Pump VA practice. Following treatment, you will be able to sleep more restfully and will feel healthier as a result. If you or someone you love suffers from mild to severe snoring or has experienced other symptoms of sleep apnea, contact our Short Pump VA dentists to schedule a diagnostic consultation.For all of your dental needs, come to the experts who have been serving the Short Pump VA area for almost 20 years. We guarantee to help guide you every step of the way.