Understanding Snoring And Snoring Solutions

Snoring is a very common issue that can be a nuisance, and it can also indicate the presence of a serious sleep disorder.

In this blog, the sleep specialists at eos sleep diagnostics in NYC explain what you need to know about snoring solutions.

What causes snoring?

Snoring is caused by the vibration of tissues in your upper airways when you sleep. This can occur when your airways become blocked, often when tissues become too relaxed or you have an excess of tissue.

What are some snoring solutions?

Depending on the cause of your snoring, snoring solutions such as the following may be able to help:

• Lose weight if you need to
• Don’t take sleeping pills
• If you need to take antihistamines, don’t do so at bedtime
• Avoid alcohol within three hours of bedtime
• If you have allergies, try to reduce possible triggers in your bedroom. Let pets sleep in another room, and wash your sheets regularly using hot water.
• Sleep on your side, not on your back.

Is snoring a serious health concern?

It can be. Snoring may be an indication that you have sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that’s characterized by repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night. During this time, you can move from a deep sleep into a lighter one, so you may wake up feeling tired. In addition, you may experience other symptoms such as morning headaches, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Sleep apnea has also been linked to an increased risk of chronic health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.

When do you need to see a doctor for snoring?

You should see a sleep specialist if you snore regularly. He or she will talk to you about your medical history, including any allergies you have, as well as your lifestyle. He or she may also look for an indication that you have any dental, jaw, mouth, or nasal structural abnormalities that could be blocking your airways.

If a sleep specialist suspects that you may have sleep apnea, a sleep study can help provide a definitive diagnosis. This non-invasive test measures many body functions while you sleep, including your breathing, heart rate, brain waves, and movements.

Once your doctor makes a diagnosis and, if you have sleep apnea, determines its underlying cause, he or she can offer snoring solutions. For example, if nasal polyps (non-cancerous growths) are causing a blockage, they can be removed. In addition, treatments such as a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine and oral appliances (similar to mouth guards, but worn only at night) can help keep your airways open.

If you’re snoring regularly, make an appointment today with eos sleep diagnostics. Our doctors will confirm or rule out the presence of sleep apnea and provide the most effective, least invasive snoring solutions possible to help you get a good night’s sleep and improve your health.