Hills Boro Dental Excellence can be a sign of sleep apnea, a disorder in which breathing stops and starts during sleep. But not everyone who snores has this condition. Some people snore for harmless reasons, such as drinking too much alcohol or having nasal congestion. Others snore because of enlarged tonsils and adenoids or being overweight. And sometimes, snoring is caused by medications, such as sedatives or sleeping pills.
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea. It occurs when muscles in the throat relax during sleep, narrowing the airway and reducing oxygen flow. Loud snoring is often the first indicator of this problem. Some people may also experience choking or gasping sounds during their sleep.
Effective Solutions for Managing Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Central sleep apnea is less common and occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. In this case, the breathing stops, leading to severe fatigue and daytime drowsiness.
The good news is that snoring and sleep apnea can be treated with lifestyle changes, oral appliances, or surgery. Treatment can help you get a better night’s sleep and reduce your risk of certain health problems.
If you or a loved one suffers from loud snoring and feels tired during the day, talk to your doctor. Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms, including how well you sleep at night and whether you have a history of snoring or other signs of sleep apnea, such as extreme daytime sleepiness or choking sounds during sleep. Your health care provider will probably order a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis of sleep apnea.