Do you snore? Does your spouse snore? Have you ever consulted a doctor or sleep dentist about your snoring problem? Most people who snore do not take the condition seriously simply because it does not seem like a large health risk. In fact, in some people, snoring may be a symptom of sleep apnea, a condition that can slowly chip days off of your life if left untreated.
Why People Snore
Patients snore because of a blocked or collapsed airway. This can happen for a variety of reasons. When the airway is blocked or collapsed, the soft tissues within the throat vibrate and continue to do so each time the person breathes in and out.
Enlarged soft tissues such as the tongue or tonsils are known to cause snoring. In other cases, snoring is caused by a blocked or constricted airway due to a person’s sleeping position. Those who sleep on their backs and even some side sleepers are more prone to snore than those who sleep on their stomach. Drinking alcohol before bed can also cause snoring as the muscles are more relaxed due to the effects of alcohol.
Snoring – Not Always Just A Noise
While most people assume that their snoring is completely harmless, snoring can be a symptom of a potentially life-threatening sleep disorder called sleep apnea. Over 40 million Americans suffer from some sort of sleep disorder, many of them sleep apneics.
If people tell you that you snore at night or know someone who does, the first and most critical step is to do a sleep study to see if you suffer from sleep apnea. If the results come back negative for sleep apnea, it is still important to treat your snoring. Snoring treatment can range from simple behavioral changes to the use of an anti-snoring device. Contact Dr. Dunayer’s office to discuss your snoring treatment options. With snoring treatment you won’t just sleep better but so will those around you.
You Can Stop Snoring!
If you’ve tried at-home snoring remedies and behavioral changes but have yet to stop snoring, schedule an appoint with Dr. Dunayer. It’s important to rule out sleep apnea as a possible cause. If you are found to have sleep apnea, you can depend on Dr. Dunayer to provide you with the treatment you need. Call our West Nyack office at (845)-262-2265 or contact us online for an appointment time.
