Get Back to a Quiet Night’s Sleep with Snoring Treatments
At our SleepRight McKinney, Dr. Paul Lawrence and our team understand snoring can be more than a nightly inconvenience. Snoring can indicate underlying health concerns, such as sleep apnea. Explore our snoring treatments or call (972) 542-9129 and discover why Dr. Lawrence is one of the best sleep dentists in McKinney, TX. It's time to stop snoring and sleep better.
Why Do We Snore?
Snoring occurs when there is an obstruction or narrowing in the airway during sleep. It’s a common sleep-related issue that can affect anyone but is more prevalent in some individuals.
What Causes Snoring?
The primary causes of snoring include:
- Relaxed Throat Muscles: During sleep, the muscles in the throat and tongue relax, causing the airway to narrow. When the airflow encounters this obstruction, it leads to vibrations in the soft tissues, resulting in the sound of snoring.
- Obesity: Excess body weight, especially around the neck and throat area, can put pressure on the airway, making it more likely to collapse and cause snoring.
- Sleep Position: Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue and soft palate to collapse to the back of the throat, further narrowing the airway and increasing the likelihood of snoring.
- Alcohol and Sedatives: Consuming alcohol or sedatives before bedtime relaxes the throat muscles even more, making snoring more likely.
- Nasal Issues: Chronic nasal congestion or a deviated septum can restrict airflow through the nasal passages, forcing you to breathe through your mouth, which can lead to snoring. Nasal strips can help combat this.
Snoring and Your Health
While snoring itself may not always indicate sleep disorders, it can have several potential health implications:
- Poor Sleep Quality: Snoring can disrupt your sleep and that of your partner, leading to daytime fatigue and irritability.
- Relationship Issues: Persistent snoring can strain relationships due to the disturbance it causes to sleeping partners.
- Health Risks: Severe snoring may be associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Notably, snoring can be a sign of a more serious condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when the airway becomes completely blocked, leading to brief pauses in breathing during sleep. If you or your partner notice signs of sleep apnea, such as choking or gasping during sleep, it’s crucial to seek medical attention, as OSA can have serious health consequences.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
Diagnosing sleep apnea involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, such as a sleep specialist. Here are the steps commonly taken to diagnose this sleep disorder:
- Medical History: Your healthcare provider will begin by taking a detailed medical history, including information about your symptoms, sleep patterns, and other relevant health conditions.
- Physical Examination: A physical examination may be conducted, focusing on your airway, throat, and mouth to identify any anatomical factors that could contribute to sleep apnea.
- Sleep Study (Polysomnography): The most common method for diagnosing sleep apnea is a sleep study, also known as polysomnography. This involves spending a night in a sleep clinic or using a portable home sleep monitor to gather data while asleep.
- Scoring and Diagnosis: After the sleep study, a sleep specialist will analyze the data to assess the presence and severity of sleep apnea. The number of apnea (complete breathing cessation) and hypopnea (partial breathing reduction) events per hour is used to diagnose the condition. Sleep apnea is categorized into mild, moderate, or severe based on the results.
When Should I Take Action Against Snoring?
Taking action to stop snoring is advisable in the following situations:
Persistent Loud Snoring
If your snoring is loud, persistent, and disrupts your sleep or the sleep of those around you, it's worth addressing the issue.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
If your snoring is accompanied by excessive daytime sleepiness, it may be a sign of a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea, that requires evaluation and treatment.
Choking or Gasping During Sleep
If you or a sleeping partner notice episodes of choking or gasping during your sleep, this could indicate the presence of sleep apnea, and prompt evaluation is crucial.
High Blood Pressure or Other Health Concerns
If you have high blood pressure or other health conditions associated with sleep apnea, addressing snoring and seeking a diagnosis is best for overall health management.
Our Non-Surgical Snoring Treatment Options
VIVOS
VIVOS is a brand and treatment approach that focuses on addressing snoring and certain sleep-related breathing disorders, such as sleep apnea, through oral appliances. The VIVOS system involves the creation of custom-made oral appliances, often by specially trained dentists, to reposition the jaw and help keep the airway open during sleep. VIVOS snoring appliances aim to alleviate snoring and improve airflow, potentially reducing the severity of sleep-related breathing issues.
Laser Snore Therapy
Laser snore therapy, also known as laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP), can help reduce or eliminate snoring by using laser technology to reshape or remove excess tissue in the throat and soft palate. This procedure is typically performed by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or a qualified medical professional.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliance therapy is a non-surgical treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. It involves custom-made oral appliances, similar to dental retainers or mouthguards, repositioning the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep.
At-Home Treatments for Snoring
If your snoring is mild, you can try these holistic snoring remedies:
- Change Sleep Position: Sleeping on your side rather than your back can often reduce snoring.
- Weight Management: If you're overweight, losing weight can reduce the pressure on your airway.
- Hydration: Staying well-hydrated can help prevent throat and nasal dryness, reducing the likelihood of snoring.
- Nasal Rinse: Using a saline nasal rinse before bed can alleviate nasal congestion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main cause of snoring?
The primary cause of snoring is the relaxation of throat muscles and tissues during sleep, which leads to a narrowed airway and vibrations as air passes through.
How can I stop my snoring?
You can try lifestyle changes, positional devices, oral appliances, and nasal remedies to reduce snoring. If snoring persists or is severe, consult a healthcare professional, as they're skilled in treating snoring.
Can loud snoring be cured?
Loud snoring can often be effectively managed and reduced, but whether it can be "cured" depends on the underlying contributing causes and factors. It's best to distinguish primary snoring (simple snoring without associated sleep apnea) and snoring that’s a symptom of a more significant sleep disorder.
Does snoring mean I have sleep apnea?
Not necessarily, but it can be a sign of sleep apnea, a potentially serious sleep disorder. If you suspect sleep apnea, it's essential to seek a medical evaluation for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Put Your Snoring Problems to Bed
Whether you or a family member are grappling with snoring loudly, or suspect it might be linked to sleep apnea, the array of treatment options available can provide relief and stop snoring. From lifestyle changes to non-surgical interventions, there’s a solution tailored to your needs.
Schedule a snoring consultation at SleepRight McKinney by calling our McKinney, TX, office at (972) 542-9129. We welcome patients new and existing in Allen, Frisco, and Plano. SleepRight McKinney is proud to offer free sleep apnea consultations to help you on the path to a better night’s sleep.