Not only can snoring interrupt the sleeping pattern of others, it may be costing you night after night of quality sleep because it might actually be a symptom of sleep apnea. Snoring may seem to be nothing more than a nightly nuisance, but sleep apnea can be a deadly condition, making snoring a problem that simply can’t be ignored. If you are known to snore at night, it is very important to have your snoring properly treated.
Causes of Snoring
When it comes to snoring there isn’t just one specific cause. Snoring happens when the tissues located in the throat and in the soft palate vibrate. This vibration is caused by a narrowed airway, when air is not able to flow freely in and out as a person breathes during sleep. There are various tissues that may be the culprit of snoring. These may include any number of the following:
- Soft palate
- Uvula
- Tongue
- Excess fatty tissue in the throat
- Tonsils and/or adenoids
When Snoring Is More Than Just Snoring
While snoring is sure to affect anyone in the room with you while you are sleeping, the fact is that snoring can be a sign of something more serious. A lot of patients who snore often find that they are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. The snoring usually occurs between the 10-30 second apneic episodes that occur hundreds of times a night in some sleep apnea sufferers. During the apneas, the patient is sleeping at night without breathing properly. This can be extremely damaging to the body, especially in the long run.
It may be helpful to read more about sleep apnea, what it is, and how it affects you if you are a chronic snorer.
You don’t want to go on ignoring your snoring problem. The first step to enjoying snore-free nights is to consult a Colorado sleep dentist such as Dr. Berry, an experienced professional who serves Denver and all of Colorado.
End Your Snoring Forever
For many patients, sleep apnea and snoring go hand in hand. While there are plenty of anti-snoring devices that may be able to eliminate your snoring problem, you want to do more than just treat the symptoms if you have sleep apnea. Find a dentist who knows that finding the cause of the problem is what is most important. Dr. Berry will work with you to determine what could be causing your night time snoring problems.
To meet with Dr. Berry you will need to schedule a consultation. Make a quick call to our office at (303) 800.7007 to set up an appointment time. You can also contact us online by filling out our online contact form. Don’t continue to live with a snoring problem.