When it’s time to settle in for the night, you and your spouse begin to drift off to sleep. Suddenly, you’re shaken by someone telling you to “Wake up” or “Turn over!” If this sounds familiar, there’s a good chance that your snoring is causing problems throughout the night. How serious is it, though? Do you need to seek professional treatment to quiet the symphony you’re conducting while you’re asleep? Read on to find out what kind of approach you should take to non-sleep apnea-related snoring.
Snoring & Sleep Apnea: Why They Aren’t Always Linked
The saying is true that not all cases of snoring are the result of sleep apnea, and vice versa.
Snoring is a common problem that an estimated 25-50% of all people regularly experience. When the muscles that support your mouth, nose, and throat become relaxed, these tissues can begin to vibrate, creating a snoring sound.
Only in instances when the airway becomes narrowed, and you wake up gasping for air because of an obstruction, is there likely to be a connective link between snoring and sleep apnea.
Although a professional examination is recommended to determine if the two are connected, it’s best to know what other symptoms are likely to develop in cases of sleep apnea, such as high blood pressure, daytime fatigue, frequent headaches, cessation of breathing while asleep, etc.
What Causes Snoring?
Some of the causes of snoring include:
- Nasal congestion
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Poor sleeping position (lying on your back)
- Enlarged tonsils
Should Snoring Be Treated?
If your snoring is not connected to sleep apnea, it may not be as serious as you think, but it’s important to remember that maintaining positive personal relationships is essential. As a result, treating your chronic snoring can be worth the investment if you want everyone in your home to get the rest they also need.
When meeting with a trusted sleep expert, you may discover the following treatment options to be most helpful:
- Giving up or significantly limiting your alcohol consumption
- Eating a healthy diet and incorporating exercise to maintain a healthy weight
- Giving up your smoking habit
- Trying to sleep on your side
- Wearing an oral appliance to help prevent snoring
- Practicing mouth and throat exercises
- CPAP therapy
Additional testing may be recommended by your sleep specialist, depending on your case. No matter what type of treatment is required, though, you and your loved ones will begin to enjoy the positive experience you have when it’s time to go to bed each night.
About the Practice
At Star Sleep & Wellness in Frisco, our talented specialists know just how problematic snoring can be. Apart from the issues it causes in the individual (i.e., tiredness, etc.), the loud noise keeps others awake at night, making it increasingly difficult to maintain positive personal relationships. If you need help determining if your snoring needs further examination, contact us to schedule a consultation today.