If you’ve ever slept next to someone who snores, you know how frustrating it is. Another person’s noisy breathing can keep you up all right — or compel you to move out of the bedroom and onto the couch. On the other hand, maybe you are the guilty party. If you snore, you may be embarrassed by the problem, and you might even find that it affects the quality of your sleep and even your daily functioning. But just how common is this issue, and how can you stop snoring in Wesley Chapel?
A Common Problem
According to one estimate, 90 million American adults snore, and 37 million do it on a regular basis. However, these numbers might just be the tip of the iceberg. Some people might be too embarrassed to admit to anyone — even their doctor — that they snore. Other individuals might sleep alone and have no idea that they breathe noisily at night.
What Causes Snoring?
Snoring results when the muscles in your throat relax too much, causing them to vibrate when you breathe in. This happens more often as people grow older, but age isn’t the only risk factor. Other things that make a person more likely to snore include:
- About twice as many men snore as women.
- Obesity is a major contributor to snoring.
- Sleep apnea. In this condition, a person actually stops breathing for short periods of time at night. It is often accompanied by loud snoring. An estimated 18 million Americans have sleep apnea — that’s about half of the people who snore regularly!
- Nasal issues. Allergies or a cold can cause temporarily stints of snoring.
What Can You Do About It?
The best way to stop snoring is Wesley Chapel depends on the reason behind your noisy nighttime breathing. Here are a few tips that might help you have a quieter rest:
- Stop sleeping on your back. When you sleep on your back, gravity can make the base of your tongue collapse against the back of your throat, leading to snoring.
- Shed some weight. Even very thin people can snore, but if you could do to lose a few excess pounds, you might find that weight loss makes a remarkable difference in how well you sleep. Work with your doctor to come up with a reasonable diet and exercise plan.
- Don’t drink alcohol within the last few hours before bedtime. Alcohol is a depressant, which means it can cause your throat muscles to relax.
- Get rid of allergens. Allergens in your bedroom might irritate your immune system, causing nasal issues that lead to snoring. You might need to get some new pillows, deep-clean the carpet, or finally dust that ceiling fan.
- Visit your dentist. Your dental professional may be able to design a custom-made anti-snoring device in Wesley Chapel for you.
Are you among the millions who snore? We encourage you to take the steps necessary to breathe easier (and quieter) at night.
About the Dentist
Dr. Jay Nelson has been practicing dentistry for decades, but he also has extensive training in dental sleep medicine. If you would like to know if he can help you conquer your snoring, please contact us at 813-949-0424.