If you are one of the 25% to 50% of adults who snore regularly, you may wonder if it's really a big deal. Snoring can be embarrassing and disruptive, but is it dangerous?
For some people, it can be.
When you snore, the tissues in the back of your throat vibrate as air passes through, causing the noise we know as snoring. For most people who snore, it's harmless and doesn't affect normal breathing patterns. However, many others may be dealing with an underlying issue, such as obstructive sleep apnea.
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when your breathing gets interrupted while you sleep. If the soft tissues and muscles in the back of your throat are too relaxed, they can partially block your airway — and your ability to get a full breath. You may even stop breathing for a moment. When the body senses low oxygen levels in your blood, it briefly wakes you and signals you to breathe normally.
This cycle can happen throughout the night, with your breathing stopping and restarting repeatedly. You might not be aware that it’s happening, but the constant breathing disruption may prevent you from getting enough oxygen.
Approximately 30 million adults in the United States have OSA, and experts believe millions more are undiagnosed. Anyone can develop OSA, but your risk increases with:
- Age
- Being male
- High blood pressure and heart disease
- Large tonsils
- Menopause and other hormonal changes
- Obesity and weight gain
Signs that your snoring may be sleep apnea
People with OSA may also experience:
- Breathing starts and stops
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Frequent loud snoring, which is more common in men
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache, which is more common in women
- Sexual dysfunction or decreased libido
When to see a doctor for snoring
You can have sleep apnea even if your only symptom is snoring. If you snore, talk to your doctor so they can figure out the cause.
Untreated OSA can increase your risk for other health problems, including:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
Your doctor may ask you to keep a sleep diary to record how well you sleep each night and how you feel during the day. To confirm a diagnosis of OSA, you will need to do a sleep study. You sleep in a lab overnight while medical professionals monitor your brain, heart and breathing.
If you have sleep apnea, treatment may include making lifestyle changes and using a breathing device, such as a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) machine. A CPAP machine delivers pressurized air through a mask to keep your airway open.
Tips to help you stop snoring
There are ways to reduce snoring, even if you do not have OSA. Addressing the issue can help you — and your family — get better sleep.
Things you can do to lessen your snoring include:
- Adjust your position to sleep on your side instead of your back.
- Prop up your upper body with several pillows or a wedge pillow. Raising just your head may cause neck issues, so be sure to elevate your entire upper body.
- Get an oral appliance from your dentist. These devices are worn at night and move your jaw forward to create more space at the back of your throat.
- Limit alcohol, which can cause your throat muscles to relax.
- Maintain a healthy weight to limit the amount of fatty tissue in your neck.
- Review your medications because narcotic medicines and benzodiazepines can affect your breathing and throat muscles.
- Try manual snoring devices, such as nasal strips and cones, that physically open your nasal passages to increase airflow.
Contact us
If you think you may have sleep apnea or have any other health concerns, we can help. Find a doctor at MLK Community Healthcare or call (424) 529-6755 today to make an appointment