3 Reasons to Seek Treatment for Snoring

If you have ever been told that you snore, and most particularly if you have been told that often, it may be a very good idea to seek treatment for your snoring. Infrequent or occasional snoring is fairly normal and may be no problem at all, but frequent or chronic snoring can cause considerable problems in your life. And more, snoring may be a symptom of a much more serious health problem. Before we examine three reasons to seek treatment for snoring, let’s quickly review what causes snoring.

What causes snoring?

The Mayo Clinic explains that “when you doze off and progress from a light sleep to a deep sleep, the muscles in the roof of your mouth (soft palate), tongue and throat relax. The tissues in your throat can relax enough that they partially block your airway and vibrate.” This is pretty normal, and common, and much of the time, no treatment is needed for snoring. But, the Mayo Clinic says, “The more narrowed your airway, the more forceful the airflow becomes. This increases tissue vibration, which causes your snoring to grow louder.” The underlying reasons for the narrow airway can determine whether to seek treatment for snoring. The Cleveland Clinic lists causes for snoring:

• “Alcohol and other sedatives that relax muscles, restricting airflow.”
• “Nasal congestion and inflammation due to a cold, flu, allergies, or irritants in the air.”
• “Pregnancy hormones that cause inflammation in the nose.”

These conditions may not call for snoring treatment, as they are temporary and/or preventable. Some of the other causes for snoring that the Cleveland Clinic lists may be significant reasons to seek treatment for your snoring. These include:

• “Structural differences in the mouth, nose, or throat that decrease the size of the airway.”
• “Excess body fat, which puts pressure on the soft tissues and compresses the airway.”
• “Bulky soft tissue, including enlarged adenoids, tonsils, or tongue.”
• “Low muscle tone and muscle weakness in the mouth, nose, or throat.”

How snoring can be treated

Depending on the underlying conditions mentioned above, different types of snoring treatment may be warranted. Some can be solved through lifestyle changes, decongestants, and sleeping position changes. Other root causes demand more aggressive treatment for snoring. Sometimes a snoring specialist will recommend wearing a custom mouthpiece to adjust the position of your jaw. Some conditions warrant the use of a CPAP machine to blow air continuously into your nose to hold your airway open. And some conditions may require surgery to treat the snoring effectively. If you are still not convinced to see a specialist to discuss treatment for snoring, here are three big reasons that you should consider.

Snoring can cause relationship problems

It is not uncommon for chronic snoring to cause problems in relationships. Psychology Today tells us, “Snoring can put great strain on relationships. A snoring problem often creates not only tiredness but also frustration and resentment between couples. It can interfere with sexual and emotional intimacy, and can push couples to sleep in separate bedrooms.” This means, if your significant other is telling you about it, it may be a good idea to seek treatment for your snoring.

Sleeping problems

Many who snore report feeling very fatigued during the day. This makes sense, as dealing with that restricted airway can cause your body to have difficulty achieving restorative sleep. A lack of sleep can cause snorers (and their partners) to experience:

• A lack of concentration
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Behavioral problems

Psychology Today explains that snoring, “interferes with sleep quality and sleep quantity, both for the person who snores and, often, for the person who sleeps with a snorer. Poor quality and insufficient sleep interfere with our thinking skills and judgment. “ If any of this sounds strangely familiar, it may be a good idea to seek treatment for your snoring.

Snoring may be a symptom of sleep apnea

And finally, chronic snoring is often a symptom of, and the first recognizable indicator for, a condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The Mayo Clinic says that Obstructive Sleep Apnea is “characterized by loud snoring followed by periods of silence when breathing stops or nearly stops. Eventually, this reduction or pause in breathing may signal you to wake up, and you may awaken with a loud snort or gasping sound.” Obstructive Sleep Apnea puts the snorer at an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart conditions, and stroke. So if you suspect that your snoring might possibly be caused by sleep apnea, it is DEFINITELY time to seek treatment for your snoring. The best news is that TMJ & Sleep Therapy Center of Raleigh-Durham is ready to help. Request an appointment today