Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
Snoring is often overlooked as a natural part of sleeping, especially since it’s very common. Unfortunately, snorers may not realize they could be at risk for additional health concerns. However, snoring is known as the number one symptom of sleep apnea, which may leave you wondering whether you need a sleep study if you snore.
What causes snoring?
As you progress into a deep sleep, the soft palate in the roof of your mouth, throat, and tongue relax. As air flows into your body past relaxed throat tissue, it causes a harsh and hoarse sound as the tissue vibrates.
The conditions below prove to affect the airway and result in snoring:
- Your natural mouth anatomy – a narrow airway or a thick low soft palate can reduce the area for proper airflow. Overweight snorers often have extra tissue in the back of their throat, causing the airway to narrow.
- Alcohol consumption – Consuming too much alcohol before bed can relax throat muscles and lead to airway obstruction.
- Nasal conditions – Nasal congestion, weather due to a cold or a chronic condition, or a deviated nasal septum could contribute to your snoring.
- Sleep deprivation – Not sleeping enough can cause additional throat relaxation while sleeping.
- Sleep position – Sleeping on your back typically causes the most frequent and loudest snoring since gravity narrows the airway.
What can a sleep study tell me about my snoring?
Not only can snoring be a nuisance for your partner, but it may indicate a serious health condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to our Lansing airway dentist. After speaking with your doctor, they may request a computerized tomography (CT) scan, X-rays, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look at your airway structure for complications, like a deviated septum. Then, your physician may recommend a sleep study, depending on your snoring severity and whether you could have sleep apnea. Dr. Tenaglia offers airway screenings to determine if you could benefit from an official sleep study. However, a sleep specialist conducts official sleep studies necessary to diagnose sleep apnea.
What are the signs and symptoms of OSA?
Not every snoring person has OSA, but when it’s paired with any of the symptoms below, it is a sign that you should seek the opinion of a medical provider or our East Lansing airway dentist.
- Morning headaches
- High blood pressure
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sore throat when waking up
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Choking or gasping for air while sleeping
- Witnessed breathing pauses while sleeping
- Memory loss or difficulty remembering simple tasks
Individuals with OSA may exhibit loud snoring followed by silent periods where breathing ceases or nearly stops. Our Okemos airway dentist explains that many people with OSA experience multiple episodes that can occur at least five times or more per sleep hour. Unfortunately, the disruption wakes your body and reduces your sleep quality, resulting in difficulty concentrating, grogginess, and moodiness.
What treatments are available to help me stop snoring?
Mild snoring cases can make lifestyle changes to help reduce or eliminate the condition. For example, avoiding alcohol before bed, losing weight, or sleeping on your side can help your body stop snoring. Advanced snoring cases may require medical devices or surgery to remove disruptive tissue or enlarge the airway. However, mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea can often be managed with oral appliance therapy.
Oral appliance therapy entails wearing a customized dental mouthpiece that adjusts your jaw and tongue position to maintain an open airway while sleeping and relieves snoring.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Whether your sleeping partner or your children tell you that you snore, you should seek medical intervention, especially if you exhibit sleep apnea symptoms. Our East Lansing airway dentist explains that avoiding treatment can cause significant overall health problems. So, contact Tenaglia Smiles by calling (517) 347-6733 or click to schedule an airway consultation today.