No one enjoys snoring, and in fact, this annoying nighttime habit could point to the presence of a serious disorder. How do we stop a person from snoring? When should Pearland, TX, resident see their dentist for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment? We’re going to look at the causes, and discuss possible solutions, to your nightly snore!
Why Do We Snore?
For some, sleeping at night means that soft tissues in the throat and the rear of the mouth become a little too relaxed. They then collapse and obstruct airflow. This partial obstruction means air is forced through when we breathe, vibrating the soft tissues and creating a loud sound. Often, this prevents us from enjoying deep, uninterrupted sleep, and could have a negative impact on the ability of our significant others to rest as well. Factors behind snoring could include excessive alcohol consumption, sleeping on your back, and maintaining an irregular sleep schedule. The cause could also be a serious disorder known as sleep apnea!
Is There a Link to Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea means those same tissues don’t just partially block air flow, they completely obstruct airflow. People literally stop breathing for brief periods, until the brain wakes them up. We may not remember this happening, but it keeps us from reaching REM sleep. We think we sleep the night before, but we’re exhausted and sleep deprived the next day. Over time, we may wake suddenly gasping for air or choking, experience headaches and dry mouth, suffer from daytime exhaustion and moodiness, and have trouble staying focused at work or school. Lack of treatment is linked to a weakened immune system and a strained cardiovascular system, harming our heart health and leading to an increased risk of heart disease, hypertension, stroke, and heart attack.
Changes to Your Sleep Habits
We may recommend a custom-made oral appliance to be worn at night. Fitting like a mouthguard, the device actually repositions the jaw to keep airways free, so there are no sleep apnea episodes and little to no snoring either. You can also rest on your side instead of your back, go to bed and wake up at the same times each day, and avoid alcohol, large meals, or vigorous exercise in the two to four hours before bed. With a few positive changes to you daily routine, you can help ensure you rest a bit easier. If you have any questions about addressing you regular snore, then contact our team today for a diagnosis and to discuss possible solutions!
Do You Have Trouble With Snoring?
Our team would like to help you enjoy a better night’s rest and avoid sleep apnea. To learn more about avoiding snoring and sleep disorders, then call Houston Sleep Solutions in Spring, TX, at (281) 320-2000, or in Pearland, TX, at (832) 564-3508.
