Snoring
Snoring can be a headache for everyone in a household. Those who have this condition may think they sleep soundly, but in reality, they might wake up and fall back asleep dozens of times throughout the night. Those who live with the person snoring may find themselves in a constant state of aggravation. The staff at Signature Sleep by Hilary is dedicated to answering questions about the details of snoring in Rockledge, FL. More importantly, we can tell you how to stop snoring from happening in the first place.
The Basics of Snoring
Snoring refers to the noises emitted from your throat while you sleep. These sounds are caused by vibrations in the throat after your muscles relax when you drift off. Snoring is a common disorder that is not always well understood by the public, and this confusion is largely because of the complex number of reasons for snoring.
Because nearly everyone will snore at some point, it’s easy to dismiss the condition as minor. People may get over-the-counter remedies and hope for the best. However, while snoring can be caused by a night of too much alcohol or the common cold, it can also be due to obstructive sleep apnea, a thicker soft palate, or a deviated septum.
How Can Sleep Treatments Help with Snoring?
Sleep treatments are designed to give your nasal passages more room for air to flow through. The right one for you will depend on how severe your disorder is and what’s causing it in the first place. We’ll look at some common treatments for sleep apnea:
- Strips: A nasal strip is designed to lift the sides of the nose so air can flow better through each nostril. While you sleep, the adhesive will attempt to straighten back to its original shape, which will keep pressure on your nose throughout the night.
- Dilator: A nasal dilator will physically hold the nose open during the night. Placed between both nostrils, it can open the airways enough to reduce congestion. Dilators may be appropriate for those with deviated septums.
- MAD: A mandibular advancement device will push the jaw forward, which can improve how you breathe. This can also be a good solution for people who grind their teeth while they snore. MAD devices look a little like a mouthguard, though the two appliances are typically recommended for different reasons.
- CPAP: A CPAP is a type of machine that will pressurize the air around the wearer. The pressure will push the airways open to prevent snoring. CPAP is the most invasive of all the potential treatment options and is typically only recommended for the most severe cases.
Is Snoring the Same Thing as Sleep Apnea?
Snoring and sleep apnea are very closely tied together, even though they’re not the same condition. Sleep apnea refers to the obstruction of air, whereas snoring refers to actual sounds while you’re asleep. So, you may snore if you have sleep apnea, as apnea will cause problems with your breathing. However, sleep apnea can result in silence from a person sleeping because they’re unable to get any air at all. As a general rule, sleep apnea is a more serious condition than snoring, though a sleep expert will tell you that chronic snoring is by no means harmless.
Why Prioritize Non-Invasive Treatments for Snoring?
There are surgeries that can help you correct snoring, though it’s important not to jump straight to these treatments if there’s no need. While surgery is a potential solution for snoring, the right sleep therapy team in Rockledge, FL, will have you try other treatments to reduce or even eliminate snoring. From losing weight to cutting back on drinking to trying out a sleep device, you have options that can simultaneously reduce risk and help you lead a healthier lifestyle.
Solutions for Snoring in Rockledge, FL
At Signature Sleep by Hilary, our team is trained to help you learn more about your snoring: what’s causing it and what you can do to stamp on top of it. If you find yourself tired day after day or you’ve heard multiple complaints from the members of your household, you can’t ignore the problem any longer.