Does Your Spouse Snore but Has Tested Negative for Sleep Apnea?

Many people assume that all chronic snorers have sleep apnea. However, you might be surprised to learn that someone can be a heavy snorer without having this condition. If your spouse’s snoring keeps you awake at night, but their sleep study came back negative for sleep apnea, you’re not alone in seeking solutions. Here is what you need to know and what you can do to address the situation.

Understanding Snoring Without Sleep Apnea

Snoring occurs when air moving through your airways causes the surrounding tissues to vibrate. While this often indicates sleep apnea, many people snore without having this condition. Research shows that nearly one-third of people who snore experience daytime sleepiness even without a sleep apnea diagnosis.

The good news is that a negative sleep apnea test represents positive news, as your spouse won’t face the severe health risks of untreated sleep apnea. However, their snoring still deserves attention since it affects both their sleep quality and yours.

Several factors can contribute to non-apneic snoring:

• Nasal congestion – Allergies or structural issues can block airflow during sleep.
• Sleep position – Back sleeping often increases the incidence of snoring.
• Weight – Extra tissue in the throat area can narrow airways for those who are overweight.
• Evening alcohol consumption – Having a nightcap may relax throat muscles excessively, increasing their potential to vibrate during deep sleep.
• Medications – Like alcoholic beverages, some prescription and over-the-counter medications can increase muscle relaxation in the throat.

Some of these issues may be more straightforward to address than others, but identifying the problem can go a long way toward improving everyone’s sleep quality within the household.

Treatment Options

Several effective solutions exist for non-apneic snoring:

• Dental appliances such as the Silent Nite® Sleep Appliance, which gently repositions the lower jaw to keep airways open (more on this below)
• Lifestyle modifications, such as weight management and abstaining from alcohol before bed
• Position therapy, such as training to sleep on one’s side
• Minimally invasive procedures to help reduce tissue vibration

Consulting with an experienced professional can help you determine which option or options might work best for you.

The Silent Nite® Solution

Many sleep healthcare professionals recommend the Silent Nite® Sleep Appliance for patients who snore without sleep apnea. This comfortable, custom-fitted device slightly advances the lower jaw during sleep, which helps maintain open airways and reduce tissue vibration. Many patients and their partners report significant improvement in sleep quality after beginning treatment with this appliance.

Benefits of the Silent Nite® appliance include:

• Comfortable, flexible design
• Custom-fitted to your mouth
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Includes morning exercises to prevent bite changes
• Proven track record of success

Contact Silent Night Therapy Today

Getting enough high-quality sleep is essential for every aspect of your health. Don’t let snoring continue to affect your relationship and sleep quality. Contact Silent Night Therapy today at 631-983-2463 or online to learn how we can help you and your spouse get the peaceful night’s sleep you deserve.