You’re probably used to hearing one of your parent’s snore when you were a kid, but what do you do when you find out that your loved one is a chronic snorer? On the flip side, maybe you wake up the next morning and find out they barely got any sleep that night. “What’s the matter?” You ask them. As they turn to look at you at they just stare and say, “Do you know how loudly you snore?”
To some, this may come as a surprise. Chronic snoring doesn’t just affect your loved ones though. In fact, snoring can affect the overall quality of your own sleep as well. That’s why you may want to consider an anti-snoring device in Lutz. Your dentist can better explain what’s at stake.
What is Snoring?
Snoring is a common condition where the flow of air through the mouth and is nose is being physically obstructed in some way. While anybody can snore at any age, it’s most common in men and for people who are overweight. It also tends to get worse as you age.
Often times, snoring is not a health risk and only becomes a nuisance for the people around you, such as your significant other. However, if you come to learn that you’re snoring every night, you could be disrupting the sleep patterns of people around you. Even worse, it’s possible to impair your own sleep quality and may require medical attention if it’s severe.
What are the Causes of Snoring?
There are several circumstances that can cause chronic snoring. For example, the nasal airways can become obstructed from a sinus infection or if a person is exposed to certain airborne allergens during allergy season. Deformities of the nose such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps can also cause chronic snoring.
Additionally, people may experience snoring if:
- They are overweight
- They have bulky throat tissue
- They have large tonsils or adenoids
- They have a long soft palate and/or uvula
- They have poor muscle tone in the throat and tongue
What are the Health Risks of Snoring?
It is possible for snorers to be at risk of many health problems, including obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that affects tens of millions of Americans every day. Sleep apnea can cause frequent waking from sleep and prevent people from entering necessary REM sleep.
Furthermore, it can cause more serious symptoms, such as high blood pressure, low blood oxygen levels, chronic daytime sleepiness and fatigue, and headaches. While snoring doesn’t guarantee that you have sleep apnea, if you notice multiple moments of waking during the middle of the night, frequent nighttime urination, or you feel tired even after trying to get a full night’s sleep, you may benefit from an anti-snoring device in Lutz.
To regain your restful nights and reduce snoring, ask your dentist about using a snoreguard in Lutz. It just may be the answer to your chronic snoring for good!
About the Author
After earning his DMD degree, Dr. Jay A. Nelson pursued extensive postgraduate training in dental sleep medicine. He became a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, the American Sleep and Breathing Academy, and the American Board of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine. To learn more about oral devices he’s certified to provide patients with or about his practice, contact him at (813) 949-0424 or visit his website.