Please, please, please help me. I haven’t slept in days. My husband recently put on a lot of weight. Ever since then he’s sounded like a jackhammer in his sleep. What is going on? I’m about to go out of my mind with exhaustion.
Marissa – North Carolina
Marissa,
It sounds like your husband has developed sleep apnea. Patients who are overweight are more likely to develop sleep apnea as well. The muscles in the back of his throat are drooping into his air passage while he sleeps. That is what is causing the lovely resonant jackhammer sound.
There are dentists who treat this condition. Often, it just requires a little oral device, which looks much like a mouthguard. It’s comfortable and will give both of you a full night’s sleep.
I suspect your poor husband has been waking up almost as tired as you’ve been. Sleep apnea even messes with the sufferers sleep pattern. Getting the proper oxygen he needs will renew his energy.
This blog is brought to you by Dr. David Potts.