It is not uncommon for people to make noise when they sleep. From slight grumblings to loud snorts, approximately 45 percent of the population snore on a regular basis. And while some people only snore occasionally, others snore nightly, disrupting not only their sleep but their partner’s as well.

The thing is, people snore for a variety of different reasons. In this post, you learn some of the main reasons why people snore and when snoring is not only snoring.

What Causes Snoring?

Snoring is caused by a variety of factors. Some people suffer from structural abnormalities of the upper airways. Having a deviated septum of your nose can cause improper airflow, chronic congestion, and snoring. Alternatively, you may have a low-hanging uvula or narrowed throat, which causes snoring in deep sleep.

In other cases, the throat muscles and tongue relax too much while sleeping, causing the tongue to fall backward into the throat. This can cause snoring and sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a common medical condition that causes temporary pauses in breathing. Not everyone who snores develops sleep apnea, however, if you start to experience other symptoms, you should speak to your doctor about them.

Signs of Sleep Apnea

Signs and symptoms of sleep apnea are not always easy to discern. Some of the most prevalent ones you need to be aware of include:

• Daytime sleepiness.
• Morning headache.
• Sore throat.
• Trouble concentrating.
• Memory loss.
• Mood lability.
• Waking up abruptly throughout the night.

Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea

The first step in treating any sleep disorder, including sleep apnea, is with proper diagnosis. Based on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend an in-house or at-home sleep study. a sleep study records your brain waves as well as your respiratory effort and oxygen levels while you sleep. Based on the results, a diagnosis of sleep apnea can be made.

Treatment Options

There are two different types of treatment for sleep apnea: CPAP and oral appliance therapy. CPAP provides continuous airway pressure that keeps your airway open while sleeping. Oral appliance therapy utilizes a fabricated mouthguard that gently shifts your lower jaw forward, creating more space for your tongue in your throat.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you suspect your snoring is more than just snoring, the specialists at MXBowen can help. With two convenient New York locations, contact the office at 212-480-4062 to schedule a consultation.