If you tend to snore, or the person you live with does, you know it can be difficult to have a restful sleep. Studies show that around 30% of people older than 30 snore. And guess what? The older they become, the more they snore. Snoring can be a sign of a sleep disorder called sleep apnea, and we will talk about it further.
First, let’s look into the causes of snoring.
Common Causes of Snoring
Nasal airway obstruction – As its name suggests, nasal airway obstruction is a condition where the nasal passage gets congested and makes it difficult for an individual to breathe through his nose. If the snoring is intermittent, the cause of this obstruction might be a cold, or allergies.
Extra throat tissue – You can have bulky throat tissues for many reasons, such as for overweight or genetic factors. In kids, this usually occurs due to enlarged tonsils, large adenoids, and a long soft palate. A dentist near you can evaluate you and let you know if this is your case. Feel free to visit our dental clinic in Winnipeg to schedule an appointment.
Alcohol – If you drink too much alcohol, the muscles of your throat relax, causing a blockage of the airway. In consequence, you forcefully inhale air, making snoring sounds.
Sleep apnea – As we mentioned above, snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, which is a sleep disorder in which breathing is briefly and repeatedly paused during sleep. Since your body doesn’t get enough air, you breathe forcefully to satisfy its oxygen demands. There are two types:
1. Obstructive – It is the most common form of sleep apnea, and it is caused by the relaxation of throat muscles. Look for snoring treatment in Winnipeg to find a solution.
2. Central – It is a form of sleep apnea that occurs when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the breathing muscles. A snoring treatment near you can help you get better sleep.
Can I Suffer from Sleep Apnea?
You can suffer from sleep apnea at any age; however, we mentioned before that people over 30 have a higher risk. There is evidence stating that the older you are, the more chances you have of developing sleep apnea.
Pay attention to the following characteristics:
Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
· Breathing stops involuntarily – You make pauses during snoring, but you don't always wake up. We advise you to record yourself during your bedtime; and, if you sleep with a partner, they can let you know.
· Loud frequent snoring – Your snoring is too loud, and it persists during the night.
· Excessive daytime sleepiness – You always feel tired throughout the day.
Symptoms of Central Sleep Apnea
· You don’t get proper sleep – It is common to wake up often.
· Frequent urination – You have a constant need to pee at night.
· Fatigue – You feel tired all day.
· Headaches – Your head hurts right after you wake up.
· Mood swings – People with central sleep apnea have a higher risk of mood disorders.
· Memory problems – Your thinking skills can decrease.
What to Do?
So, you are a patient with sleep apnea, what can you do? We recommend visiting your doctor as soon as possible. It might be necessary to set an appointment with a sleep specialist; however, to begin, a regular doctor can evaluate your symptoms and let you know the next steps to take.
Reducing your snoring will improve your quality of life.