Disturbed sleep is something that everyone hates. Sleep interruptions, however, can become routine for those who snore or who sleep close to someone who does. If you’re one of the many grownups who snore, you (or your bed partner) could be searching for snoring solutions and wondering if various snoring devices and sleep apnea devices in Thornhill, ON, can be of assistance.
Let’s first discuss the causes of snoring.
Causes Of Snoring
There are numerous causes of snoring. As a result, there isn’t a single snoring diagnosis or course of action.
You may snore more frequently if you have these conditions:
- Blockage or congestion of the nasal passages is one of the main reasons of snoring. These include allergies, sinus infections, nasal polyps, a deviated septum, the common cold, and nasal polyps. The airflow becomes turbulent when the nasal passages are partially occluded, which causes snoring.
- Poor Tone in the Throat and Tongue: Snoring can be caused by weak muscles in the tongue and throat. Snoring is caused by these muscles collapsing and partially obstructing the airway when they relax too much when we sleep.
- Obesity: Snoring is more prevalent in those who are overweight or obese. Snoring is a result of the airway’s diameter becoming smaller due to pressure from extra fat deposits in the throat and neck area.
- Sleeping Position: Snoring is a result of the soft palate and base of the tongue collapsing on the back of the throat while you snooze on your back. The issue can be improved by switching to a different sleeping position, such as on your side.
- Age: Snoring is more likely to occur as people age because their throat and tongue muscles tend to become less toned. Middle-aged and older people snore more frequently.
It’s crucial to remember that snoring can also be a sign of a more severe sleep disease, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which causes frequent pauses in breathing while you sleep. Consult a healthcare provider for a complete evaluation and diagnosis if you or your spouse suspect that you may have sleep apnea or if your snoring is seriously hurting your quality of sleep.
7 Tips to Stop Snoring
You can choose the most effective remedy if you are aware of why or how frequently you snore. Depending on your requirements, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, medical equipment, and even alterations to your way of life could be able to help you feel better.
Make sure to discuss your worries with your doctor. They can walk you through your options and assist you in choosing the best course of action. You might be able to lessen or stop snoring in the future if you:
- Sleep On Your Side
Snoring may occur if you sleep on your back. When you are relaxed, your tongue may slide back into your throat, narrowing your airway and resulting in snoring. Your tongue may not obstruct your airway if you sleep on your side.
- Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol causes your throat muscles to relax, which may cause you to snore. Consider abstaining from alcohol entirely, especially in the hours before bed.
- Try an OTC Medication
Snoring can be reduced using intranasal decongestants such as oxymetazoline (Zicam) and intranasal steroid sprays like fluticasone (Cutivate). This is especially true if allergies or a cold are to blame for your snoring.
- Use a Mouthpiece
Consider using a mouthpiece if OTC drugs aren’t helping. To stop snoring, removable mouthpieces can be custom-fitted to your mouth to hold your jaw, tongue, and soft palate in place. To ensure the mouthpiece is functioning over time, you must schedule routine dental examinations.
- Lose Weight
Snoring and being overweight have been connected. You may lose weight and stop snoring by adopting a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise. Consult your dentist near you about creating a diet and exercise plan if you are overweight. Maintaining a healthy weight can help control hypertension, enhance lipid profiles, and lower your chance of developing diabetes, in addition to reducing snoring.
- Use A Pressure Machine
Overnight, a CPAP machine pumps air into your airway to lessen snoring and sleep apnea symptoms. It also aids in maintaining an open airway. You must use an oxygen mask while you sleep for the device to function. Although it could take some getting used to, this can help your symptoms disappear right away. If you have been given a sleep apnea diagnosis, your insurance might cover the cost of your CPAP equipment.
- Explore Surgical Options
There are a number of surgical treatments that could also aid in snoring reduction. Modifying the airway is one of them. To do this, you can shrink the tissue in your soft palate, trim the extra tissue in your throat, or inject filament into your soft palate. Consult your doctor to determine whether surgical procedures are appropriate for you.
When Should You Consult a Dentist?
You may find it challenging to pinpoint your snoring’s frequency and cause. Ask your roommate or sleeping partner about your symptoms and how often you snore. Some snoring symptoms might also be found on your own.
Typical signs of snoring include:
- inhaling through the mouth
- becoming congested in the nose
- waking up in the morning with a dry throat
Consult your doctor if you frequently snore. You could suffer from sleep apnea or another severe illness. Your dentist in Thornhill, ON, can perform tests or even a sleep study to find out how often you snore. Together, you can develop a treatment strategy to address your symptoms once your doctor has determined the frequency of your snoring.
Summing up,
Snoring is discomfort that might impair your ability to sleep. Fortunately, there are tools and lifestyle modifications that can be helpful. Discuss your snoring with your healthcare physician. A resolution and a restful night’s sleep might not be too far away if you identify the most likely cause.
