We all understand the significance of a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, chronic snoring can impact both the quantity and quality of a person’s sleep and, by extension, their overall well-being.
Understanding snoring’s causes and consequences and how to combat them is crucial to getting better sleep. Fortunately, there are treatments and strategies that can help alleviate snoring and allow you to wake up refreshed and revitalized every morning!
What Are Some Common Causes of Snoring?
Snoring is most commonly caused by issues with the nasal passages and muscles in the throat. When a person sleeps, the muscles in their throat relax, narrowing the airway and causing vibration of the soft tissues in the throat. When this narrowing results in shallowed or briefly paused breathing during slumber, it is a sign that someone is suffering from sleep apnea (more on this in a moment).
First, let’s identify a few other common causes of snoring:
- Obesity
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Allergies
- Certain sleep positions
- Aging, as throat muscles simply tend to lose tone with age
If snoring is an issue for you, it’s important that you quickly identify and address its underlying causes to ensure restful nights and bright, energetic days.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by paused or shallowed breaths during slumber, resulting from partial or complete blockages of the airway. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive (OSA), in which muscles in the throat relax during sleep and narrow the airway.
Left untreated, sleep apnea will result in fatigue and impaired cognitive function in the short run. In the long term, sleep apnea can elevate the risk of issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, obesity, and diabetes.
Are You Exhibiting Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
If you suspect you suffer from sleep apnea, timely treatment is crucial. This treatment process typically begins with a study in which your breathing and sleep patterns are monitored. If you are suffering from sleep apnea, treatment options include:
- Changes in sleep position
- Use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device
- Bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) therapy
- Wearable devices that make the airway larger and improve airflow
Snoring Treatment in Centennial
If you’re seeking a dentist in the Centennial area with expertise in treating sleep apnea and snoring, contact dentist, Dr. Michael J. Franquemont, and the team at Michael J. Franquemont DDS to schedule a consultation!