Snoring
Snoring is extremely common, Nearly everyone snores at one time or another. Loud and habitual snoring can disrupt your sleep and may be a sign of a much more serious sleep disorder – obstructive sleep apnea. When you fall asleep your muscles relax, including those that control the tongue and throat. The soft tissue at the back of your throat can sag, narrowing the airway. Incoming air then makes the tissue at the rear roof of the mouth (the soft palate), the flap of skin hanging from the palate (uvula) and the throat vibrate – a sound we know as snoring.
The sound is a sign that your airway is partially blocked, usually by soft tissue in your throat. The flow of air causes the soft tissue to vibrate, generating the noise, which comes out of your nose, mouth or both. The volume of snoring depends on the person. You may snore so loudly you wake yourself up. Snoring may also cause you to have a dry mouth or to wake up with a dry mouth and a sore throat.
Snoring Facts
- Snoring can affect almost anyone.
- Snoring appears to run in families
- An estimated 10 to 12 percent of children snore.
- Habitual snoring has been found in an estimated 24 percent of adult women and 40 percent of adult men.
- Both men and women are more likely to snore as they age. Men become less likely to snore after the age of 70 and women more likely to snore after menopause.
- Alcohol, drugs, muscle relaxers and tobacco products contribute to snoring for both men and women.
- Obese or overweight people tend to snore due to the excessive fatty tissue in the back of their throats.
- Pregnancy can increase a woman’s change of snoring.
Is it Snoring or Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea frequently goes undiagnosed because people often mistaken the serious sleep disorder for snoring. About half of loud snorers have some form of sleep apnea. Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea have similar causes. Snorers who suffer from sleep may make gasping, choking or snorting sounds as they try to breathe and feel drained of energy during the day. If you think you may have obstructive sleep apnea, get diagnosed by a board certified sleep physician at an AASM accredited sleep center.
Snoring Treatments
There are several behavioral and medical treatments for snoring. Medical factors may affect treatment, so it is important to speak with a physician.
Dental Treatment Options
• Oral Appliance Therapy
• Upper Airway Surgery
Behavioral Techniques
Weight loss because excess fat tissue in the back of the neck worsens snoring.
Weight loss alone may not help stop snoring for everyone. Avoiding alcohol, drugs, muscle relaxers and tobacco products can also help reduce or eliminate the presence of snoring.
Positional Therapy
Snoring may be reduced by sleeping on your side instead of your back. Shifting your sleeping position keeps the weight of your neck from collapsing on your airway.
The material above is provided by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.
