Posted on Thursday, August 1st, 2024 at 9:00 am
Snoring can disrupt sleep, leading to restless nights for the snorer and their partner. But beyond the noise, snoring can indicate significant health concerns. Doctors wish patients understood that snoring isn’t just an inconvenience; it can affect overall health.
Gaining a better understanding of snoring, including its causes, risks, and potential treatments, can help you take proactive steps to address it and improve your quality of life. Learn more below from the sleep apnea treatment specialists at Silent Night Therapy.
What Causes People to Snore?
Snoring happens when the flow of air through your mouth and nose becomes partially blocked while you sleep. This blockage can be the result of multiple factors. One common cause is the relaxation of the muscles in your throat and tongue, which can block the airway.
Being overweight can also contribute to snoring, as excess fat around the neck can compress the airway. Allergies or sinus problems can cause nasal congestion, making breathing harder through your nose and increasing the likelihood of snoring.
Furthermore, alcohol and sedatives relax your throat muscles, leading to snoring. Even the anatomy of your mouth, like having a low, thick, soft palate or enlarged tonsils, can cause snoring. Understanding these causes can help identify the best ways to reduce or prevent snoring.
Health Risks Associated with Snoring
Snoring isn’t just a noisy nuisance; it can pose serious health risks. One of the primary concerns is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where snoring is interrupted by pauses in breathing. This can lead to fragmented sleep and reduced oxygen levels in the blood.
People with OSA are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and strokes. Snoring can also cause daytime fatigue, often disrupting sleep quality, leading to poor concentration, irritability, and a higher risk of accidents.
Additionally, snoring can strain relationships, as it often disturbs partners’ sleep, causing frustration and tension. Addressing snoring is essential not only for better sleep but also for overall health and well-being.
Potential Treatments for Snoring
There are several treatments available to help reduce or eliminate snoring. Lifestyle changes can make a big difference; losing weight, avoiding alcohol before bedtime, and sleeping on your side can all help. Over-the-counter remedies, like nasal strips or external nasal dilators, can open up nasal passages and improve airflow.
For more persistent snoring, a doctor might recommend a custom-fitted mouthpiece that helps keep your airway open by bringing your lower jaw forward. In some cases, addressing underlying conditions like allergies or sinus infections can alleviate snoring.
Finally, many patients use Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines to treat obstructive sleep apnea. CPAP machines provide a steady stream of air to keep the airway open. Surgery is another option, though it’s usually a last resort after other treatments have failed. Consulting a healthcare professional can help you determine the best approach for managing your snoring.
Struggling With Snoring or Sleep Apnea? Silent Night Therapy Can Help
At Silent Night Therapy, we specialize in treating sleep apnea with custom-made oral appliances. These devices can help you treat snoring by promoting better airflow when you sleep, helping you get the deep rest you need. Contact us online or at 631-983-2463 to schedule an appointment.