Why we snore
During sleep, the muscles and soft tissues in the throat relax. If they narrow the airway, the air moving past them makes them vibrate, and that vibration is the sound of snoring. Nasal congestion, alcohol, sleeping on your back and extra weight around the neck can all make it worse.
When snoring may be sleep apnea
With obstructive sleep apnea, the airway doesn’t just narrow; it repeatedly closes for a few seconds at a time, interrupting breathing until the brain briefly wakes the body to reopen it. This can happen dozens of times an hour without the person remembering it. Warning signs include:
- Loud snoring with pauses, gasping or choking sounds noticed by a partner
- Waking up with a headache, a dry mouth or a sore throat
- Feeling tired during the day even after a full night in bed
- Trouble concentrating, irritability or falling asleep during quiet activities
- Waking often during the night to use the bathroom
Why it matters
Untreated sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and daytime accidents caused by fatigue. The good news is that it is very treatable once it has been diagnosed.
Diagnosis and treatment
Sleep apnea is diagnosed with a sleep study, arranged through your physician, either in a sleep center or with a home test. Depending on the results, treatment may include:
- CPAP, a small machine that keeps the airway open with gentle air pressure through a mask
- An oral appliance, a custom-made mouthpiece that holds the lower jaw slightly forward to keep the airway open; often used for mild to moderate sleep apnea or for people who can’t tolerate CPAP
- Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, limiting alcohol before bed and sleeping on your side
How your dentist can help
Dentists are often the first to notice signs linked to sleep problems, such as worn teeth from nighttime grinding. If you or your partner are concerned about your snoring, mention it at your next visit and talk with your physician about a sleep evaluation.
Questions about your own teeth? Call Shrewsbury Dental Group at (732) 741-8707 or book a visit online (opens in a new tab). This article is general information and isn't a substitute for an exam.