Do you ever wake yourself up during the night due to snoring? While not everyone notices that they snore while they’re asleep, many people complain that their partner’s snoring is so loud that it wakes them up or prevents them from falling asleep.
Snoring occurs due to over relaxed or obstructed throat tissues. It’s a serious problem that can affect your health as well as your relationships, and it’s essential to know what’s causing your snoring and how to effectively treat it.
Causes and Symptoms of Snoring
Snoring can be caused by a variety of factors, and some are more serious than others. This condition can occur when your airway is obstructed by bulky throat tissues, or when your throat or tongue are too relaxed. These are also symptoms of sleep apnea, but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea.
Some people can go long periods of time without even realizing that they’re suffering from snoring. People who are deep sleepers might be able to sleep through the noise. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms, it may be a sign that you snore while you sleep:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sore throat
- Restless sleep
- Chest pain
- Irritability
- Morning headache
How to Treat Snoring
If you’re experiencing any level of snoring, it’s crucial that you seek treatment. Although some people can find relief through lifestyle changes, many will benefit from customized treatments prescribed to them by Dr. Regina Dailey.
Mandibular Advancement Devices
These devices, also known as oral appliances, fit right on top of the lower half of your jaw. They slightly advance your lower jaw and pull your tongue forward to remove the obstruction in your throat. Mandibular advancement devices are often prescribed to patients with sleep problems and are an effective way to treat both conditions.
Tongue Retaining Devices
Tongue retaining devices function similarly to oral appliances, except they fit comfortably over your tongue rather than on your jaw. The purpose of this is to hold your tongue in place so it’s not obstructing your airway and causing you to snore.
Surgery
If your snoring is severe and you don’t find relief from other treatment methods, Dr. Dailey may suggest surgery as a last resort. This is used to widen your airway and remove excess tissues that may be blocking airflow.
Health Risks of Untreated Snoring
If you don’t receive treatment for your snoring, the condition can lead to serious health problems. These include high blood pressure, heart disease, and health problems caused by lack of sleep.
If your snoring is keeping you up at night, you could be at risk of mental health issues as well. Additionally, sleep deprivation can make you more prone to injury while driving or performing everyday tasks.
What Causes Snoring?
Snoring is caused by a blockage in the nasal or throat that prevents airflow from passing through and makes it hard for a person to breathe properly. A weak muscle can cause the tongue or throat tissues to relax which narrows the airway and reduces oxygen levels.
How Can I Tell if My Snoring is Becoming a Problem?
Snoring affects a lot of people, and it certainly doesn’t mean you have a sleep disorder. However, there may come a point where snoring becomes so much of a bother that you may want to consider treatment. Consider seeking help for your snoring if:
- You’re waking up with headaches in the morning
- You frequently have a sore throat in the morning
- You’re chronically tired during the day
- You’re noticing chest pain at night
- Your partner is regularly disturbed by your snoring
What Are the Health Risks of Untreated Snoring?
Many people snore throughout their lives with no issues. However, a lack of good sleep can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, mental health struggles, and more. Sleep deprivation also makes you more prone to injury while driving or performing your everyday tasks.
What Can I Do to Help Prevent Snoring?
There are many things you can do to help prevent excessive snoring, such as:
- Avoid eating or drinking alcohol right before bed
- If you smoke, quit
- If you’re overweight, losing some weight can help
- Try sleeping in a new position, such as on your side propped up by pillows instead of on your back.