Snoring & Sleep Apnea Treatment

Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Snoring is often associated with a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Not all snorers have OSA, but if snoring is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, it may be an indication to see a doctor for further evaluation for OSA:

• Witnessed breathing pauses during sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Morning headaches
• Sore throat upon awakening
• Restless sleep
• Gasping or choking at night
• High blood pressure
• Chest pain at night
• Your snoring is so loud it's disrupting your partner's sleep
• In children, poor attention span, behavioral issues or poor performance in school.

Causes of Snoring

Snoring can be caused by a number of factors,

• Anatomy of your mouth and sinuses
• Alcohol consumption
• allergies, a cold
• weight
• Nasal problems
• Sleep position
• Having a family history of snoring or obstructive sleep apnea

When you doze off and progress from a light sleep to a deep sleep, the muscles in the roof of your mouth (soft palate), tongue and throat relax. The tissues in your throat can relax enough that they partially block your airway and vibrate.

The more narrowed your airway, the more forceful the airflow becomes. This increases tissue vibration, which causes your snoring to grow louder.

Other Negative Health Effects Associated with Snoring

Habitual snoring may be more than just a nuisance. Aside from disrupting a bed partner's sleep, if snoring is associated with OSA, you may be at risk for other complications, including:

• Daytime sleepiness
• Frequent frustration or anger
• Difficulty concentrating
• A greater risk of high blood pressure, heart conditions and stroke
• An increased risk of behavior problems, such as aggression or learning problems, in children with OSA
• An increased risk of motor vehicle accidents due to lack of sleep