4 Ways to Stop Snoring

If you share a bed with your significant other, your snoring could be preventing them from getting some much-needed sleep. It’s one of the most common signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition that causes repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night. Neglecting to seek treatment for it can increase your risk of health complications down the line. That said, read on to learn about the importance of identifying the underlying cause and a few ways you can stop snoring so everyone can get some rest.  

What Causes Snoring?

Anyone can snore – men, women, children, and even pets! It happens when breathing is blocked during sleep. When air tries to push through the soft tissues, they vibrate and cause you to make the all-too-familiar sound of snoring. Although it tends to be more common in men and people who are overweight, it’s often caused by underlying conditions like obesity, structural nose problems, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, and chronic congestion.

Snoring can also be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). If you have the sleep disorder, you’ll likely wake up feeling drowsy, have trouble concentrating throughout the day, and maybe even nod off at random times. It’s incredibly important to seek treatment for the sake of your overall health. Ignoring it can lead to serious health issues, including high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and heart problems.

How to Stop Snoring

Depending on the root of the problem, there are many ways you can stop snoring. Here’s what you can do:

Maintain a Healthy Weight

As mentioned earlier, extra weight is one of the primary causes of snoring in both children and adults. While you sleep, fatty tissue in the neck can press on the throat, blocking the airways when the throat muscles relax. Fortunately, you can take some of the pressure off by working towards a healthy weight. To accomplish that, you should try exercising more often and following a nutritious diet.  

Open Your Nose

Do you have chronic nasal congestion? Medications like antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays can help you breathe more easily. You can also place adhesive nasal strips on the bridge of the nose to lift your nostrils open and improve airflow.  By opening your nose, you can reduce your chances of snoring throughout the night.

Use CPAP Treatment

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) involves the use of a nasal mask that blows air into your airways while you sleep, keeping your airways open while you sleep. It’s considered one of the best treatments for sleep apnea and snoring. Although they used to be bulky and uncomfortable, they’re now small, quiet, and much more comfortable.

Get an Oral Appliance

An alternative to CPAP treatment is oral appliance therapy. The mouthguard-style device holds the lower jaw forward while you sleep, helping the airway stay open. Keeping the tongue in this neutral position will prevent any obstructions from occurring. You’ll notice a major reduction in snoring!

Is your snoring preventing everyone from getting a good night’s sleep? It’s time to start weighing your options. By following one of the tips outlined above, you can successfully stop snoring and start getting the quality rest you deserve!

About the Practice

At Covington Sleep Center, we offer various treatment options to help patients sleep soundly and get the quality rest they deserve. Our highly experienced sleep dentist provides custom-made oral appliances to help those suffering from sleep apnea get a good night’s sleep. To learn more about how you can stop snoring, visit our website or call (770) 710-5268.