Categories: Sleep Apnea Treatment

What Your Snoring Might Be Saying

Picture this: it’s bedtime, and you are looking forward to a good night’s sleep. Even though you are not feeling quite as rested as usual these last few months, you know you are sleeping for 7 or 8 hours. Just as you are getting settled in, your sleep partner mentions the subject of snoring. Specifically, that your snoring has gotten louder, and you sometimes make a snorting or gasping sound while you sleep. What is your snoring trying to tell you, and what should you do about it?

Snoring Could Say “I Had Too Much Too Drink.”

While alcohol makes you drowsy, it does not contribute to a good night’s sleep. Alcohol relaxes the muscles in the throat, meaning they may partially close and vibrate, causing snoring sounds. To alleviate alcohol related snoring, have a smaller amount or none at all, and drink well before bedtime.

Snoring Could Say “I Need To Get More Exercise.”

Excess weight can cause a person to begin snoring, or to snore more loudly. When neck tissue thickens, it can constrict the airway, causing vibration with the flow of air. If you noticed you have gained weight and started snoring at about the same time, consider checking your diet, and adding more activity into your day. You can also talk with your family doctor if you need help with weight loss information.

Snoring Could Say “I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea.”

About 75% of those who snore loudly suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA. In this condition, the upper airway becomes partially and sometimes fully blocked during sleep. The body works harder to draw breath. Eventually OSA snorers will startle briefly awake for a gasp of air, before falling back into the disordered sleeping pattern. Your dentist can help diagnose and treat OSA, and can refer you to a trusted colleague for further sleep study and treatment, when necessary.

Is Your Snoring Trying to Tell You Something?

If snoring is causing a problem for you or someone you love, we can help. Set up an appointment in Grand Prairie, TX by contacting your dentist at Pecan Tree Dental to schedule a visit at (972) 262-5111.

Dr. Smith

Recent Posts

How Tooth Extraction Could Protect Your Oral Health

Our team can offer a custom dental restoration to repair damaged teeth or take on…

13 hours ago

Reshaping Your Tooth With A Custom Crown

If you have a tooth that is misshapen, sustains an injury, or has the presence…

1 day ago

Stopping Painful Infection With A Root Canal

Infection could cause painful aches and discomfort when you eat, and over time, increase the…

3 days ago

Upcoming Events In Grand Prairie

On Fridays, we like to use our blog to focus on our community. Now that…

7 days ago

Prosthetic Dentistry Means You Can Enjoy A Full Smile

If you have lost a tooth, or several, then you understand the major impacts tooth…

1 week ago

Tooth Fillings Can Provide Lifelike Relief From Cavities

Cavities are a painful issue that can impact smiles of all ages, from your youngest…

1 week ago