Understanding Snoring: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options

Snoring is a common sleep issue that affects millions of people, and yet many people consider snoring “normal” and do not realize that it is something that can be treated or that it can be linked to several other health conditions. For example, did you know that snoring alone increases your risk of cardiovascular disease? It’s crucial to understand that snoring may be more than just a bothersome sound; it can have lasting effects on your overall health. We offer an array of minimally invasive treatments that treat snoring that can dramatically impact your quality of life, relationships, and total body health.

Why Do We Snore?

Snoring occurs when airflow through the mouth and nose is partially obstructed during sleep. This obstruction causes the surrounding tissues to vibrate, producing the sound we know as snoring. Factors that contribute to snoring may include:

  • Anatomy of the Mouth and Throat: Structural abnormalities such as a thickened soft palate, an elongated soft palate, enlarged tonsils, a large tongue, or an underdeveloped jaw can restrict airflow.
  • Mouth Breathing: Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose can increase the likelihood of snoring, as it can dry the throat and contribute to tissue vibration.
  • Age: As we age, muscle tone in the throat decreases, leading to increased potential for snoring.
  • Weight: Excess weight can cause fatty tissue around the neck to put pressure on the airway.
  • Nasal Problems: Conditions such as allergies or a deviated septum can impede airflow.
  • Sleeping Position: Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to fall backward, obstructing the airway.

Health Risks Associated with Snoring

Chronic snoring can be a sign of more serious conditions, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is characterized by frequent breathing interruptions during sleep, leading to reduced oxygen levels in the blood. Some potential health risks associated with snoring and sleep apnea include:

  • Daytime Fatigue: Interrupted sleep can lead to extreme tiredness during the day, affecting your quality of life and alertness.
  • Cardiovascular Issues: OSA is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
  • Mental Health Effects: Poor sleep quality can contribute to issues such as anxiety and depression.
  • Reduced Quality of Life: Chronic snoring can disrupt sleep for both the individual and their partner, leading to strained relationships.

At our office, we offer several effective treatment options for managing snoring:
1. Mandibular Advancement Appliances (MAD): These custom-fitted devices work by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep. We utilize pharyngometry to find the most optimal jaw position to create the appliance, ensuring maximum effectiveness. MADs are particularly beneficial for those with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and can lead to significant improvements in snoring.

2. NightLase Treatment: This non-invasive laser treatment helps to tighten the tissues of the throat, reducing their tendency to vibrate and cause snoring. NightLase is painless and requires no downtime, making it an attractive option for those seeking a quick solution.
3. Myofunctional Therapy Exercises: These exercises focus on strengthening the muscles of the mouth and throat, improving overall function and reducing the risk of airway obstruction during sleep. Our team will work with you to develop a personalized exercise plan tailored to your needs.
4. Orthodontics and Expansion: In some cases, orthodontic treatment and dental expansion can help create more space in the mouth and airway. This can lead to reduced snoring by improving jaw alignment and airway patency, making it easier to breathe during sleep.
5. Consultation with an ENT Specialist: For those with identified anatomical issues, obtaining a referral for an ENT consultation can be a crucial step. ENT specialists can assess and provide treatments for structural problems affecting the airway, potentially offering surgical options and additional therapies.
6. CPAP Therapy: While most of our patients are looking for alternatives to a CPAP, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy can be a highly effective treatment for snoring related to obstructive sleep apnea. The CPAP machine delivers a steady stream of air through a mask during sleep, ensuring the airway stays open and reducing instances of snoring.

7. Lifestyle Evaluation: We may conduct a lifestyle evaluation to identify dietary issues that could cause inflammation, such as dairy sensitivity, or environmental factors like mold exposure in the home. These elements can impact your ability to breathe well through your nose and may exacerbate snoring. Getting bloodwork or other tests done with your functional medicine doctor may also be recommended as more and more studies are showing the link between snoring/sleep apnea with the gut microbiome, nutrient deficiencies, and hormone imbalances.

What’s the First Step? The Importance of a Sleep Study

If you or a loved one snores frequently, it may be time to seek professional evaluation.  A take home sleep study is often recommended to diagnose any underlying sleep disorders, including sleep apnea to establish a baseline and gain appropriate diagnostics. This test involves monitoring your sleep patterns, breathing, and other body functions during nighttime sleep, allowing healthcare professionals to develop an appropriate treatment plan based on the results. It’s important that we identify the cause of the snoring and come up with a customized plan for you for best clinical outcomes.

If you are interested in learning more about what we can do for your snoring, please reach out to our office for a consultation and an at-home sleep study. We are here to help you achieve a quieter, more restful night’s sleep.