Snoring is a common nighttime phenomenon that many of us encounter, whether it’s our own or someone else’s. In fact, around 45% of adults experience occasional snoring, and approximately 25% snore on a regular basis. For some, it’s just a harmless inconvenience; for others, it could signal deeper health concerns. But is snoring really bad for you?

Causes of Snoring

Snoring often feels like a small annoyance, but it’s important to understand why it happens. It occurs when airflow through the nose and throat is partially blocked during sleep, causing the tissues in the airway to vibrate. The reasons behind snoring can vary from person to person, including:

  1. Sleeping position: Lying on your back can compress the airway, increasing the likelihood of snoring.
  2. Lifestyle habits: Alcohol relaxes throat muscles, while smoking inflames the airway, both contributing to snoring.
  3. Health and anatomy: Excess weight around the neck or structural issues like a deviated septum can obstruct airflow.
  4. Temporary conditions: Nasal congestion from a cold or allergies can make breathing harder and lead to snoring.

While occasional snoring might seem harmless, persistent snoring can have serious health implications. One significant concern is its potential link to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where breathing temporarily stops during sleep. 

Snoring Vs. Sleep Apnea

It’s essential to differentiate between snoring and sleep apnea. While snoring is a sound caused by vibrating tissues in the airway, sleep apnea is a medical condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. 

Loud, persistent snoring accompanied by gasping, choking, or pauses in breathing could indicate sleep apnea. This condition not only disrupts your sleep but can also lead to serious health risks, including coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and stroke. 

Learn more about the connection between snoring and sleep apnea:

Impact on Relationships

Snoring can also strain relationships, as disrupted sleep for partners often leads to frustration and fatigue. Over time, it can create tension and a need for separate sleeping arrangements, affecting intimacy and connection.

Solutions for Snoring

Thankfully, managing snoring is possible with a variety of effective approaches tailored to its cause. Simple lifestyle adjustments, such as maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good sleep hygiene, and avoiding alcohol before bed, can significantly reduce snoring. 

Over-the-counter aids like nasal strips, anti-snore pillows, and oral devices may also help keep airways open.

For more persistent cases, professional interventions, including CPAP machines, surgical procedures, or consulting with a sleep specialist like Dr. Ojile, provide targeted solutions to improve sleep quality and overall health.

When to Seek Medical Help

Not all snoring requires medical attention, but certain symptoms warrant evaluation by a professional. Red flags include:

  • Persistent, loud snoring.
  • Gasping or choking during sleep.
  • Chronic fatigue despite adequate sleep.
  • Breathing pauses during sleep
  • Morning headaches
  • Sore throat when you wake up
  • Gasping or choking at night
  • Chest pain

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for addressing underlying conditions like sleep apnea and preventing long-term health complications.

How is Snoring Diagnosed?

At Clayton Sleep Institute, we provide a comprehensive process designed to give you the diagnosis and treatment plan you need for healthier, more restful sleep. Under the guidance of Dr. Joseph Ojile and our experienced team, we address sleep disorders with precision and care. Here’s how our process works:

  1. Step One: Speak with your doctor or contact us directly at (314) 645-5855 to discuss your symptoms and learn more about our sleep studies.
  2. Step Two: Depending on your physician’s recommendation, you may need a home sleep test or an in-clinic sleep study. We’ll provide clear instructions to ensure you feel prepared and confident about the process.
  3. Step Three: Once your study is complete, a CSI staff physician will review the results with you, providing a detailed evaluation. These findings will also be shared with your physician to guide your treatment plan. Our clinical staff remains available to consult with you about your diagnosis and next steps.

At Clayton Sleep Institute, we combine cutting-edge diagnostics with compassionate care to help you achieve better sleep and overall well-being. Talk to your doctor today to request a sleep study, or call us: 314-645-5855.