Causes
Snoring can disrupt not only your sleep but also that of those around you. While it might seem annoying, this can sometimes indicate underlying health issues. Understanding the root causes can be the first step toward finding an effective solution. Here are some of the most common factors that contribute to a restless night:
1. Anatomy Matters
Your nasal and throat anatomy can be the culprit. A deviated septum, large tonsils, or even your jaw position can narrow your airway and cause snoring.
2. The Age Factor
As you age, your tissues lose their firmness, especially the muscles that support your airway. This can lead to a narrower airway and, you guessed it, snoring.
3. Throat and Nose Conditions
Common colds, flu, and allergies can cause your throat to swell. If you’re sniffling and snoring, it might be time to see a doctor.
4. Your Sleep Style
Sleeping flat on your back can cause your airway to collapse. Try side sleeping to keep the air flowing smoothly and reduce snoring.
5. Cheers to Snoring?
Drinking alcohol relaxes your airway muscles, making it easier for your airway to collapse. If you snore more after a nightcap, it might be time to cut back
6. Up in Smoke
Smoking irritates your throat, causing swelling that can lead to snoring. Yet another reason to quit!
7. Weighty Issues
Extra pounds can add pressure to your airway, making it more likely to collapse and cause snoring. Losing weight helps you (and your partner) sleep better.
8. Pregnancy and Snoring
The physical changes during pregnancy can contribute to snoring. Hormonal changes, weight gain, and diaphragm interference can all be factors.
9. Medication Side Effects
Certain medications like sedatives can relax your muscles too much, leading to a snoring symphony. Check with your doctor if you suspect your meds are the cause.
By understanding the root cause of your snoring, you can take practical steps to manage it. Whether changing your lifestyle or seeking professional help, a solution exists for you.
Dangers of Snoring
You might not think that this is a big deal aside from being annoying, but there are many health dangers associated. Snoring usually goes hand in hand with a lack of oxygen during sleep. If you’re not getting enough oxygen as you sleep, you’ll likely wake up feeling sleepy throughout the day.
Snoring is also associated with an elevated risk of atherosclerosis and stroke.
If your snoring is associated with sleep apnea, it will increase your risk of developing serious health problems such as heart conditions like heart attacks and strokes.
Snoring may also result in household tensions, fighting with your significant other, or even divorce.
Effective Snoring Treatment
Before you should start treatments, Dr. Larry Pribyl will advise you to get tested for sleep apnea. If you have sleep apnea, you must seek professional care for your health.
If you don’t have sleep apnea and just suffer from snoring, there are a few different routes you can try. The first is modifying your lifestyle. This may include losing weight, sleeping on your side, not drinking alcohol or smoking, taking allergy medications, or exercising more. Lifestyle changes might work well with over-the-counter treatments like nose strips.
If lifestyle and OTC remedies don’t help improve your condition, Dr. Larry Pribyl can help. At the Center for TMJ and Sleep Apnea, we can provide you with a custom appliance. These appliances help your jaw support the soft structures of your airway to keep it open while you sleep. We custom-make them fit your specific anatomy. They’re comfortable to wear and highly effective.
We offer a wide range of appliances that relieve symptoms. Dr. Pribyl can help determine what the ultimate cause is. If it’s related to your facial structure or anatomy, we offer oral appliances that help reshape the jaw to expand your airway.
Find Treatment in Lee’s Summit, MO
Are you tired of ineffective treatments? Manage snoring with Dr. Larry Pribyl’s help. Center for TMJ and Sleep Apnea can provide effective options at our dental office in Lee’s Summit, MO. Call us today to schedule a consultation at (816) 795-1000.
