Why Do I Snore at Night? A Local Sleep Dentist Answers

Have you been told that you frequently snore loudly while you sleep? If so, it can make life harder for your partner or family members. One of the causes may be obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious condition that affects millions of Americans. Read on to learn about some of the other contributing factors. You’ll also discover how a local sleep dentist can provide oral appliance therapy in the Woodlands, TX, so you can get the quiet rest you need.

Some of the Typical Causes of Snoring

Snoring is the result of restricted airflow. As oxygen attempts to pass by, vibrations occur that result in the loud sound. The following could be encouraging your snoring:

• Sleep Position – Sleeping on your back naturally narrows your airway, as gravity causes your tongue and soft palate to collapse toward the back of your throat.
• Mouth Anatomy – Some people are born with a narrow throat or large tonsils/adenoids that obstruct airflow. In other cases, excessive weight gain can cause constriction.
• Sleep Deprivation – If you’ve been deprived of sleep, when you finally get a chance to rest, your throat can become more relaxed than normal and cause snoring.
• Alcohol Consumption – Overindulgence in alcohol can cause the muscles in the throat to become more relaxed than normal during sleep, which can lead to a partial or complete blockage.
• Nasal Congestion or a Deviated Septum – A structural defect in the nose may possibly prevent the natural flow of air during sleep and cause snoring.

The Connection Between OSA and Snoring

The term OSA refers to a partial or complete blockage of the airway while you sleep that leads to stoppages in breathing. The bouts of apnea, lasting up to 10 seconds, can sometimes reoccur hundreds of times throughout a single sleep cycle. With each interruption, your brain triggers you to wake-up so that you can breathe normally again.

While OSA does cause loud snoring, there are greater potential issues to consider. It can lead to hypertension, stroke, heart disease, diabetes and liver dysfunction. Furthermore, the above-listed factors can exacerbate the symptoms of OSA. Thus, it’s of the utmost importance to receive treatment.

The Road to Recovery

The first step to getting help is to take a sleep test. Once you’re diagnosed with OSA, a local dentist can start sleep therapy in the Woodlands, TX using an oral sleep appliance. The small portable device is custom designed to perfectly fit the contour of your mouth, and it works by gently shifting your jaw forward to allow for unrestricted airflow.

With expert care from a skilled sleep dentist, your snoring will come to an end, but more importantly, you’ll be much healthier!

About the Author

Dr. Robert G. Dernick earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston. He would go on to specialize in treating sleep disordered breathing (SDB) problems, which include snoring and OSA. Dr. Dernick provides safe and effective treatment options at his private practice, and he can be reached for more information through his website.