Snoring is more than annoying

Who knew a yawn could be an indicator of a serious health issue? This easily recognizable sign of fatigue may serve as a hint that perhaps the good night’s sleep you’re getting every night isn’t as good as you think. 

Sleep apnea occurs when a person’s breathing stops repeatedly during sleep, depriving the brain of oxygen and rest. Dr. Rosemary Cirelli of AdventHealth Medical Group Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine in Tavares, says that, often, people with sleep apnea do not realize that they are repeatedly waking many times each hour and may chalk up their fatigue or declining health to getting older. 

Common sleep apnea symptoms include:

• Loud snoring.
• Restless sleep.
• Waking up with a very sore or dry throat.
• Sleepiness or lack of energy during the day.
• Morning headaches.

Because most people with sleep apnea snore very loudly, choking and sputtering in their sleep and moving around in bed all night, it becomes impossible for partners to share a room with them. “Many relationships are damaged this way,” says Dr. Cirelli, “and sleeplessness on all sides decreases the overall wellness of a family’s life and health.” Still, the problem goes far beyond the inconvenience of snoring. “If left untreated,” Dr. Montoya adds, “sleep disorders can pose serious threats to your health and well-being, including heart attack, stroke, traffic accidents and death.”  

Study time

Dr. Cirelli’s partner in Tavares, Dr. Frank Montoya, points out that while sleep apnea may affect any one at any age or health condition, carrying extra weight is often a factor. “If you have been told you snore very loudly, or if you are feeling run down every day even after a “good night’s sleep,” says Dr. Montoya, “a sleep study is the first step toward correcting these problems, enabling you to experience deep, restful sleep again and improving your quality of life as a result.” 

About the team

Lake County’s most experienced, board-certified sleep physicians, Dr. Rosemary Cirelli and Dr. Frank Montoya, are supported by a team of registered sleep medicine technologists and staff with more than 60 years of combined experience. “Our team is professional and knowledgeable, always striving to make your stay as comfortable as possible,” explains Dr. Montoya of the team. 

For more information or to make an appointment, call 352.343.9943.

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AdventHealth Medical Group Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine 

1876 Nightingale Lane, Tavares

AdventHealthMedicalGroup.com