Stop Snoring for Better Sleep

Snoring can be an annoyance to both you and your significant other. Determining the root cause of your snoring can help you find the treatment that is right for you. Learning how to manage your snoring and taking preventative measures can lead you to a better night’s sleep! Read on to find out what might be causing your snoring and how you can find relief.

What Causes Snoring?

Snoring occurs when the muscles in your tongue and throat relax, causing the airway to narrow. This narrowing causes a vibration sound when you breathe in, resulting in snoring. There are a few factors that could contribute to your snoring that are simply out of your control! For example, snoring is more likely to occur in older individuals because your throat muscles tend to relax with age. You could also develop a nasal obstruction or deviated septum, constricting your breathing. Snoring is often associated with sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing at night, waking you up. Other factors that could be contributing to your snoring are your sleep position (sleeping on your back can make snoring louder), certain medications, swollen tonsils, and alcohol consumption.

Could you Be snoring and Not Know it?

Because you’re asleep while it’s happening, many people are unaware that they snore! Most people hear about their snoring through the complaints of their significant other, but you might also experience other symptoms such as daytime sleepiness, trouble concentrating, waking up several times a night, and morning headaches. If you suspect you could be snoring, a sleep study with an ENT specialist can help make a diagnosis.

Treating Snoring

Once the cause of your snoring has been determined, it’s time to figure out a treatment plan! Mild cases of snoring could be controlled through lifestyle changes. Avoiding sleeping on your back can help to keep your tongue from falling to the back of the throat and causing snoring vibrations. Avoiding alcohol and decongestants can also decrease your snoring. You might find relief from a snore guard to pull the bottom jaw and tongue forward, opening the airway while you sleep.

In more severe cases, you might need surgery to correct a deviated septum, nasal blockage, or other airway obstruction causing sleep apnea and snoring. A consultation with an ENT specialist can help you determine the cause of your snoring to help you find relief. Contact our office today for more information or to schedule an appointment and be on your way to better sleep!