Loud snoring can be a nuisance for a bed partner, but it may not be a significant health concern. However, if the snoring keeps getting louder and you start pausing your breathing during sleep, it may be time to see a doctor. Dr. Robert Garelick is an expert who offers comprehensive diagnoses and treatments to help you sleep well. The doctor works alongside a very skilled and caring team with you at each treatment step.

What is snoring?

Snoring is the harsh sound occurring when there is airflow past the muscles relaxing in your throat, leading to vibrations and thus noisy breathing. It is possible to snore occasionally; however, it can be a symptom of an underlying health issue such as obstructive sleep apnea. You may need a doctor’s evaluation to check for obstructive sleep apnea if you have the following symptoms:

  •                     Excess sleeping during the day
  •                     Chokes and gasps at night
  •                     Loud snoring that disrupts your partner’s sleep
  •                     Restless sleep

Your partner may also notice pauses in your breathing during sleep.

What are the possible causes of snoring?

You may be snoring due to several factors like allergies, cold, weight concerns, and alcohol consumption. If your airways are so narrow, the airflow will be more forceful, causing an increase in vibration, leading to louder snores. Some conditions can affect your airways, and they may be:

  •                     Nasal problems
  •                     Not getting enough sleep
  •                     Sleeping position

How can you treat snoring?

There are a few tips you may need to stop that snore, and they include:

  •                     Maintaining a healthy weight
  •                     Observe a regular sleeping pattern
  •                     Avoid alcohol intake or snacks and heavy meals a few hours before bed
  •                     Sleep on your side

Furthermore, there are medical treatments helpful in treating snoring. Your doctor may give you a prescription like a nasal spray you can use before you sleep. Your doctor may also suggest the following forms of treatment:

  •                     Dental appliances

These oral mouthpieces help advance your jaw position, the soft palate, and tongue, thus keeping your airways open. Your doctor works to optimize the position and fit of the dental appliance. You will need dental visits so your doctor can assess your health. You may develop dry mouth, pain in the jaw, and excessive salivation as side effects of using the device.

  •                     Continuous positive airway pressure

This treatment will involve wearing a mask that will direct pressurized air from a small pump that helps keep your airway open at night while you sleep. It mainly applies in treating snoring that is associated with obstructive sleep apnea. You may find it uncomfortable and have a hard time adjusting to the feel and noise of the device; however, it is effective and reliable.

  •                     Surgery

Your doctor may recommend an upper airway surgical procedure to prevent narrowing while you are sleeping. There are a variety of techniques your doctor can employ during the surgery.

If you or your sleeping partner have loud disrupting snores, visit Chase Dental Sleepcare today or schedule an online appointment.