Snoring Solutions
Snoring is not always a harmless event, and loud or otherwise disruptive snoring can pose serious problems. For residents of Central Pennsylvania, help is available through the team at Pennsylvania Dental Sleep Medicine. If you’d like to learn more about overcoming loud snoring, reach out to book an appointment today.
Is snoring a health concern?
Snoring is loud breathing that occurs as you sleep. Everyone has a unique type of snore, and you may snore differently in some circumstances as opposed to others. Researchers assert approximately 90 million Americans snore, 37 million of whom snore regularly.
Occasional, light snoring is usually nothing to be concerned about. However, if you snore loudly or find your sleep isn’t as restful as you like, you may want to see your doctor to determine the cause of your snoring.
Snoring can be a symptom of a serious medical condition called sleep apnea. This disorder can rob you of the rest you need to maintain good health. Snoring can also disrupt your partner’s rest, which can negatively affect their health and wellness, not to mention the health of your relationship.
Researchers have found links between loud snoring and heart disease. There are also links to various types of daytime dysfunction, including cognitive problems, fatigue, headaches, and even weight gain.
What causes snoring?
Many different things can cause snoring, some of which are in your control and others that are not. Some issues that can contribute to snoring include:
- Mouth and throat anatomy
- Deviated nasal septum
- Sleep deprivation
- Sleep position
- Alcohol consumption
- Obstructive sleep apnea
In some cases, there is no clear cause for snoring. Men and women can begin to snore at any time, with no certainty as to why.
What can I do to reduce snoring?
There are steps you can take to reduce your snoring and get a good night’s sleep. Some things to try on your own include:
- Altering your sleep position (avoid back sleeping)
- Losing weight
- Drinking more water during the day
- Changing to different pillows
- Clearing dust or pet dander from your bedroom
- Taking a hot shower before bed
- Avoid alcohol 3-4 hours prior to bedtime
- Keeping a clear nose
If these efforts don’t yield the desired results, schedule an appointment with your physician to determine if sleep apnea is causing your snoring. If so, an oral appliance from Pennsylvania Dental Sleep Medicine offers a powerful snoring solution tool, and your health insurance plan might even cover the cost. Even if your snoring is brought on by a different cause, your specialist can help you find lasting relief.
How can an oral appliance help with snoring?
Oral appliances improve air intake while you sleep, and can reduce or even eliminate snoring. At Pennsylvania Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Becky Fox will help you find the appliance best-suited for snoring that is also comfortable and nonintrusive.
Learn more during your snoring treatment consultation at Pennsylvania Dental Sleep Medicine. You can request an appointment in moments online or by phone today to meet with Dr. Becky Fox, our sleep dentist, who has achieved Diplomate status with the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine.
