Snoring

What causes snoring?

Snoring is the result of vibrations in the tissues at the back of your throat. When you sleep, the muscles around your airway relax, and as you breathe in and out, the tissues vibrate and make an audible noise. You might snore because of the shape and size of these muscles and tissues.

If you have excess tissue in the back of your throat, their relaxation during sleep can block your airway and cause you to snore loudly. This condition is known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Snoring is a symptom of OSA, but not everyone who snores has the condition.

Other factors that may contribute to chronic and loud snoring include:

• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Alcohol use
• Large tonsils
• Small jaw
• Persistent nasal congestion
• Nasal polyps or deviated septum
  
  

While snoring occurs most often in men, it’s also common in women and children. Without treatment, chronic snoring and undiagnosed sleep apnea can increase your risk for insomnia and serious health complications like heart disease.

When should I seek treatment for snoring?

Many people seek treatment only when their loved ones complain about loud and persistent snoring. You should seek a diagnostic evaluation with the providers at Sleep Services of Maryland LLC if you know you’re snoring loudly at least three nights a week.

If you sleep alone, you may not realize you’re snoring every night. The providers recommend scheduling a consultation if you wake up during the night gasping for breath or if you have persistent daytime sleepiness.

What treatments are available for snoring?

Initially, your treatment plan for snoring may include limiting alcohol and making lifestyle and diet modifications to lose extra pounds and maintain a healthy body weight. Adjusting your sleeping position and elevating your head can also help reduce snoring.

Other options for treating snoring include:

Oral appliances

Oral appliances are available to reduce snoring. The device fits over your teeth and keeps your jaw in alignment, so your airway stays open while you sleep.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

A CPAP device delivers a consistent flow of oxygen into your nose through a mask you wear while you sleep. Treatment with a CPAP machine is standard for snoring that results from obstructive sleep apnea.

Surgery

If conservative therapies aren’t working well to stop snoring, you might need surgery to remove excess tissue that blocks your airways. Surgery is also an option if nasal polyps or a deviated septum is the root cause of your snoring.

The Sleep Services of Maryland LLC providers will discuss your options for snoring during your consultation and work with you on a treatment plan to ensure you’re getting the high-quality sleep you need every night.

Call the Sleep Services of Maryland LLC office nearest you to schedule an evaluation for snoring or book one online today.