Snoring is a common problem that affects nearly 90 million adults in America. Whether you are the person snoring or the one listening to the noise late at night, you may be able to treat the problem by understanding its roots Snoring is more than just a burden to listen to. It can be a sign of a life-threatening medical condition that is easy to treat. Let’s explore some common causes of snoring and the role sleep apnea plays in this matter.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea And Snoring
One of the most common causes of snoring is obstructive sleep apnea. This condition relaxes muscles in the throat to allow the tongue to fall backward and block the airway. During the blockage, your body will temporarily wake up from its sleep state to start your breathing again. You may not remember waking up, but your body will do what it takes to survive.
OSA can lead to fatigue and tiredness throughout the day because your body is unable to get the quality sleep it needs at night. Thankfully, most forms of sleep apnea can be treated with a simple oral appliance that we can create for you here at our Metro Detroit dentist office. Contact Clinton Dental Center at [phone_formatted] to schedule your free consultation.
Other Causes Of Snoring
Obstructive sleep apnea may be the most common cause of snoring, but it is not the only one. Here are some other circumstances that could lead to snoring:
- Aging: Over time, the muscles in your throat begin to relax and lose their elasticity – thus causing you to snore.
- Nose Structure: If you have a deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps, or other issues with your nasal structure, you may snore through your nose instead of your mouth.
- Throat Structure: Enlarged tonsils or adenoids are the two most common throat structure issues that cause snoring, but other obstructions in the throat may do the same.
- Weight: Excess weight in the body can lead to excess soft tissue in the neck, which will create a narrower airway for your tongue to block.
- Cold And Allergies: When your allergies start acting up or when you develop a cold, you may develop inflammation in the throat or nose. This may cause snoring, especially if congested nasal passages make it difficult to breathe at night.
- Sleep Position: Sleeping on your back puts you at a higher risk of snoring than other sleep positions because your tongue can fall directly backward. Some people are able to resolve this by sleeping on their sides or in an elevated position.
Once you determine the cause of your snoring, you can take the steps necessary to fix it. The sleep apnea experts here at Clinton Dental Center are here to assist you.
