What Is Snoring?
In short, snoring is the sound of your body struggling to breathe. This sound occurs when your airways are narrow, preventing the free flow of air through them. Instead, the airflow becomes turbulent, like the gurgling water in a partially obstructed garden hose. This turbulence causes your airway to vibrate. This vibration produces the sound. The volume and pitch depend on what tissues are vibrating. Louder, deeper snoring associated with obstruction in the throat tends to be more severe than quieter, lighter snoring in the nose.
Take Snoring Seriously
It’s crucial to understand snoring dangers. Otherwise, you might be tempted to dismiss it as a simple nuisance. The truth about snoring is that it can be a severe condition.
The most common danger associated with snoring is obstructive sleep apnea. It’s an easy step from a narrow airway to a completely closed one. When your airway closes, it cuts off your breathing. Essentially you are being strangled by your throat.
If you are snoring and suspect that you may have sleep apnea, look for common sleep apnea signs such as morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, memory problems, mood disruptions, and lack of motivation or interest. A straightforward way to know if you are experiencing apneic episodes is if a loved one has witnessed pauses in breathing that last for at least 10 seconds while you are sleeping. But, only a sleep test can determine sleep apnea.
Snoring can also lead to atherosclerosis: hardened arteries. The vibrations cause tiny injuries in your arteries. These injuries scar over, causing the arterial walls to stiffen and thicken. They also lead to deposits in your arteries, which can contribute to your stroke risk.
If you are a snorer who lives with others, the odds are good that you know how much conflict it can cause. If untreated, snoring can lead to ongoing fights, domestic violence, and divorce.
Snoring Treatment Can Work
If you’ve tried over-the-counter remedies, you’ve probably realized that they’re almost entirely worthless. Many are designed on the same principles, but isn’t customized. If snoring treatment doesn’t match your anatomy, it can’t achieve snoring relief.
You can, however, reduce your snoring at home, but only recommended if you’ve been cleared of sleep apnea or in support of sleep apnea treatment. Some common home remedies to treat snoring at home are
- Losing weight if applicable
- Sleeping on your side
- Raising the head of your bed
- Treat allergies
- Avoid alcohol before bed
- Avoid taking sedatives before bed
- Stop smoking
- Get enough sleep
Remember, only rely on home remedies if you’ve been tested for sleep apnea and are determined not to have it!
Using these professional options can effectively open your airway, helping you breathe more effectively and quietly. You and everyone in your house will be able to sleep peacefully. To treat your snoring, Dr. Mike will recommend Oral Appliance Therapy, Myofunctional Therapy, or DNA Appliance. First, he will listen to a description of your snoring, asking if the noise is low and loud or more of a light snore. After listening to your report and concerns, Dr. Mike will perform the necessary tests to confirm or dismiss his suspicions of the cause of your snoring. Once the cause is determined, he can recommend the appropriate course for you.
Oral Appliance Therapy – Oral Appliance Therapy or OAT uses a sleek night guard to treat your snoring when you sleep. The appliance is customized to your and your snoring needs. It is designed to hold your airway open while you sleep, so your soft tissues don’t collapse.
Myofunctional Therapy – Myofunctional Therapy is used when your jaw is in a poor position to hold your airway open. Like other muscles and bones in your body, things can go array with repeated misuse. For example, slouching can lead to back issues in which the treatment is to strengthen your back. Myofunctional therapy works similarly. It strengthens and retrains your jaw muscles to act in a way that will hold your airway open.
DNA Appliance – The DNA Appliance is similar to Oral Appliance Therapy, except instead of simply holding your airway open, it encourages your bones to redevelop so they can keep your airway open in order to treat snoring and sleep apnea.
Dr. Mike will determine the best course based on the cause of your snoring and can sleep easy knowing you’re getting the treatment you need.
Are You Tired of Snoring?
If you are tired of the sound and risks of snoring, Dr. Mike can help. It’s just three easy steps to sleep better—first, a consultation. Second, find the right solution for you. Finally, enjoy better (and quieter) sleep!
Please call (614) 683-4640 today for a consultation at Firouzian Sleep Wellness in Columbus, OH.