Snoring

Did you know that approximately 90 million Americans snore on a regular basis? Snoring might not seem like a big deal, but it often points to more serious underlying health problems, including sleep apnea. At Frisco Dental Implant Center in Frisco, Texas, Alecia Hardy, DDS, and her team regularly work with patients to address snoring so they can achieve a better night’s sleep. If snoring interferes with your sleep hygiene, make an appointment by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool today.

What is snoring?

Snoring is the loud, buzzsaw-like sound that occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in the back of your throat. Whenever you inhale or exhale, the tissues vibrate. 

Almost everyone snores occasionally, but if you snore regularly, or it causes you to wake up multiple times throughout the night, it could point to a more serious health problem. 

In addition, snoring can interfere with your partner’s sleep, causing strain in your relationship. 

What are the symptoms of snoring?

Snoring is often associated with obstructive sleep apnea, a disorder that causes the soft tissues at the back of your throat to relax during sleep. When this happens, the tissues block your airflow, causing you to wake up and gasp for air multiple times throughout the night. 

Other symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Chronic fatigue
• High blood pressure
• Chest pain at night
• Sore throat

Many people with sleep apnea sleep lightly. This may cause you to wake up throughout the night and prevent you from reaching the deeper, rejuvenating stages of sleep.

When should I see a doctor about snoring?

If your partner regularly complains about your snoring habits or you regularly wake up feeling groggy or unrested, make an appointment with Dr. Hardy at Frisco Dental Implant Center. Dr. Hardy knows how to spot the symptoms and telltale signs of sleep apnea.

If Dr. Hardy suspects you have sleep apnea, she may recommend that you undergo a sleep study. Following a diagnosis, Dr. Hardy develops a treatment plan that improves your sleep hygiene and quality of life.

How is snoring treated?

At Frisco Dental Implant Center, Dr. Hardy uses conservative measures of care to address snoring. For example, she might recommend healthy lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, sleeping on your side, or propping your head up on an extra pillow or two. 

If you’re living with sleep apnea and looking for an alternative to a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, Dr. Hardy might prescribe an oral appliance or a tongue-retaining device. 

Don’t let snoring prevent you from achieving a restful, rejuvenating night’s sleep. Make an appointment at Frisco Dental Implant Center by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool today.