Causes of Snoring – Melbourne, FL

Discover the Facts & What to Do Next

Man sleeping without loud snoring in white bed

Snoring is something that affects millions of Americans. Unfortunately, you may be all too familiar with the nighttime noises that your loved one produces. Sometimes, this symptom is completely harmless, however snoring is often a sign of sleep apnea. So what causes snoring? How do you know when it’s dangerous? Is there a treatment? Read on to get the answers to these important questions.

What Causes Snoring?

Snoring occurs when the airway becomes partially blocked or occluded. Whether it’s your tongue falling back into your throat, or your throat muscles relaxing too much, the airway can become partially blocked, which leads to a muffled vibrating sound. This vibration of the tissue in your throat, also known as snoring, will range in sound based on the severity of the blockage as well as other factors like size and sleep position.

Risk Factors that Contribute to Snoring

You have a higher likelihood of snoring if you:

Are a male
Are overweight
Drink alcohol routinely
Have a narrow airway
Have nasal problems
Have family history of sleep apnea

Keep in mind that snoring and sleep apnea share a lot of the same risk factors, which is why snoring can often be the first sign of a true issue.

When is Snoring Considered a Problem?

There are many cases where snoring only compromises breathing slightly, allowing those it affects to continue to get the adequate amount of oxygen they need. However, snoring is often a red flag of sleep apnea, which is why you and your loved one should be on the lookout for some of these warning signs and risks:

Difficulty concentrating
Waking up frequently
Waking up gasping for breath
Impotence
Heart attacks
Strokes
Heartburn
High blood pressure
Irritability and mood swings

One of the more obvious warning signs, chronic sleepiness, can easily be tested. By taking a simple sleep test, you can get a diagnosis for sleep apnea, or the possibility of a different sleep condition. It’s important to contact our office or seek the help of a medical professional as soon as you notice any of these symptoms. Prolonging treatment will only make the snoring and potential sleep condition worse.

Treatment for Snoring

Thankfully, snoring and the other problems it causes can be treated. We offer custom-made oral appliances that are worn at night. This positions your jaw and/or tongue so that your airway is clear for easy breathing and much less snoring. Not only will your sleep partner feel much healthier and more rested, but you and your family will be able to sleep better without the interruption of noise. To learn more about our oral appliances for snoring, contact our office today!