Nearly half of all adults experience snoring to some extent. This problem can cause disruptions in sleep for both the snorer and their sleeping partner. Although the issue can be slightly embarrassing, it is typically nothing to be concerned about; however, snoring can be a sign of a more serious medical problem known as obstructive sleep apnea.
Dr. Halabo and his team will help you determine the cause of your snoring, and we will assist you in putting a stop to the problem so that you get the great night of sleep that you deserve. Whether your snoring is just a small annoyance or the result of something more concerning, our dedicated team is ready to help you beat the habit.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Snoring occurs when the flowing air traveling through one’s nasal passages becomes blocked. These blockages are usually the result of the throat becoming overly relaxed while the person is asleep. This results in loud vibrations that happen whenever the snorer takes a breath. Although this can be disruptive for both the snorer and their sleeping partner, it is generally not a serious issue.
That being said, it is unwise to ignore snoring entirely. About 20 percent of all snoring cases are actually caused by a serious medical problem known as obstructive sleep apnea. This condition is marked by breathing troubles that occur when the individual is sleeping. A person suffering from obstructive sleep apnea will experience pauses in their breathing and take noticeably shallow breaths. These pauses in breathing can last anywhere from a few seconds to more than a minute. Anyone who is suffering from obstructive sleep apnea should seek treatment as soon as they can, since the problem can result in life-threatening conditions, including heart attack and stroke.
Treatment
While there is a heavy relationship between sleep apnea and snoring, the treatment methods for these two conditions are radically different.
Snoring is usually cured by making positive lifestyle changes and basic adjustments in sleeping. Some remedies for snoring include:
- Losing weight
- Increasing exercise
- Avoiding sleep medication
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Sleeping on the side instead of the back
- Elevating one’s head while asleep
On the other hand, obstructive sleep apnea is a more serious problem that often mandates direct medical intervention. Some treatments for sleep apnea include:
Dr. Halabo has been named a top dentist for 15 consecutive years! If you would like to learn more about putting a stop to your snoring habit, please call us at (619) 427-0810 to schedule an appointment.
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