Snoring

Things That Can Worsen Snoring

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Snoring is considered fairly common, but for some it’s more than just a minor inconvenience. If you’ve ever seen those cartoons where a person snoring wakes up the entire house, and you live with a snorer, you know that the cartoon isn’t far from the truth.Snoring in Alabaster, AL can disrupt—not only the snorer—but everyone in the household. If you or your sleep partner are looking for answers as to how to solve a snoring problem, here are some common factors that can worsen snoring, and how seeking professional help can make a difference.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious condition in which breathing temporarily stops during sleep, often accompanied by loud snoring. Obstructive sleep apnea, which is the most common form, occurs when throat muscles relax excessively, blocking airflow. That’s a scary thought, right? Well, this condition not only worsens snoring but also affects overall health, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes and “unexplained” daytime tiredness.

Being Overweight

Excess weight, particularly around the neck, can narrow your airway, making it harder to breathe freely while sleeping. This restriction increases the likelihood of snoring. It’s impossible to control where excess weight will be distributed, so the best solution is to consider weight as a factor if you do experience problematic snoring.

Alcohol Consumption

Drinking alcohol, especially close to bedtime, relaxes the muscles in your throat and tongue, causing partial airway obstruction and louder snoring. Avoiding alcohol in the evening can help mitigate these effects.

Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion from allergies, colds, or sinus issues forces you to breathe through your mouth, which increases the risk of snoring. In a case like this, the snoring will likely be temporary, and it’ll be over once the nasal congestion clears.

Sleeping Position

Sleeping on your back can cause your tongue and soft palate to collapse toward the back of your throat, partially obstructing the airway and worsening snoring. Sleeping on your side is often a simple and effective solution.

If snoring persists or is linked to symptoms like gasping or daytime fatigue, it may be time to consult a sleep center specializing in sleep apnea in Alabaster, AL. Addressing the root causes can lead to better sleep and overall health.

Sleep Disorders

Why Would Someone All of a Sudden Start Snoring?

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If you or your sleep partner have a snoring problem in Alabaster, AL, contact Alabama Dental Sleep and Wellness. We offer treatment for a variety of underlying causes of snoring and other disruptive sleep problems. If the snoring problem is new or has come on suddenly, you may be wondering, why would someone all of a sudden start snoring? To answer this, it’s helpful to consider some of the many possible reasons why a person snores.

Weight Gain

When a person gains weight, several things happen to the body; some are visible to the inside, while some are less apparent. When extra weight is put on, one of the places might be the neck area. This puts added pressure on the airway, which in turn can cause the airway to be less direct. This obstruction leads to the vibrations that produce snoring sounds.

Unwanted Growth

Partial airway obstruction can also be caused by an unwanted growth, such as a benign or cancerous tumor. This kind of unwanted growth may not be obvious, since even a small unwanted growth can cause enough disruption to the airway to lead to snoring. This is why you should contact your sleep and wellness center right away for sudden snoring problems. The sooner such a problem is detected and diagnosed, the better the outcome.

Alcohol Consumption

Increased alcohol consumption, especially closer to bedtime, can also lead to snoring. Alcohol relaxes the muscles in the throat, reducing the space through which air can pass. This relaxation increases the likelihood of airway obstruction, resulting in snoring. This particular reason can also be dangerous, as total obstruction is possible, resulting in startling awake and disorientation.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can come on suddenly. Sleep apnea is a serious condition, characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, which can lead to loud snoring. It’s essential to seek medical advice if sleep apnea is suspected, as it can have significant health implications.

Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion from allergies, colds or sinus infections can block the nasal passages and force individuals to breathe through their mouths, leading to snoring. Treating the underlying cause of the congestion often resolves the resulting snoring, too.

For more help with snoring in Alabaster, AL, contact Alabama Dental Sleep and Wellness today. We offer diagnosis and treatment so you and your sleep partner can get a healthy, deep sleep!