Snoring is a common issue that affects many people, disrupting sleep and sometimes causing concern for overall health. Whether you snore occasionally or it's a nightly occurrence, understanding the reasons behind snoring can help you address the problem effectively.

In this article, we’ll explore what snoring is, how it’s diagnosed and the various treatments available to help you or your loved ones get a better night’s sleep.

What is Snoring?

Snoring happens when air flows past relaxed tissues in your throat, causing the tissues to vibrate as you breathe. This creates the familiar, sometimes annoying, sound we recognize as snoring.

But what causes these tissues to relax and vibrate in the first place?

Common Causes of Snoring

• Nasal congestion: Allergies or colds can block nasal passages, forcing you to breathe through your mouth and increasing the likelihood of snoring.
• Obesity: Excess weight around the neck can compress the airway, making it more likely to vibrate during breathing.
• Sleep position: Sleeping on your back can cause your tongue and soft palate to collapse to the back of your throat, causing snoring.
• Alcohol and sedatives: These substances relax the muscles in your throat, increasing the chances of snoring.
• Anatomy: Structural issues like a deviated septum or enlarged tonsils can narrow the airway and cause snoring. 

Diagnosing Snoring Problems

Determining why you snore is the first step to finding an effective solution. Here’s how snoring problems are typically diagnosed:

Consultation with a Healthcare Provider

Your Summit Health healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, lifestyle and medical history. They may also perform a physical examination of your throat, mouth and nose to identify any structural issues.

Sleep Study

Sometimes, a sleep study (polysomnography) may be right for you. This happens at a sleep center or at home with a portable device. The study is painless and non-invasive and it monitors your breathing, heart rate and other vital signs while you sleep to determine if sleep apnea or another sleep disorder is present.

Recording Symptoms

Keeping a sleep diary or recording yourself while you sleep can help identify patterns and triggers for your snoring. Note when you snore the most and any factors that seem to make it worse.

Effective Snoring Treatments

Once you identify the cause of your snoring, various treatment options can help reduce or eliminate it.

Here are some effective treatments:

Lifestyle Changes

• Weight loss: Losing excess weight can reduce the fatty tissue in the throat, decreasing snoring.
• Avoid alcohol and sedatives: These substances relax the throat muscles, increasing the risk of snoring.
• Change sleeping positions: Sleeping on your side can prevent the tongue from obstructing the airway.

Home Remedies

• Elevate the head of your bed: Raising the head of your bed by a few inches can help keep your airways open.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can prevent your throat and nasal tissues from becoming dry and sticky.

Medical Treatments

• Nasal strips and dilators: These can help keep your nasal passages open, reducing snoring.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): For those with obstructive sleep apnea, a CPAP machine can keep the airway open by providing a steady stream of air.
• Surgical options: In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove or tighten tissues in the throat.

Do Anti-Snoring Devices Work?

Anti-snoring devices, such as mandibular advancement devices, can be effective for some people. These devices work by repositioning the jaw or tongue to keep the airway open. It’s best to consult a healthcare provider to determine if such a device suits you.

Conclusion

Snoring is a common issue with various causes and solutions. Understanding why you snore and seeking appropriate treatment can significantly improve your sleep quality and overall health. At Summit Health, we are dedicated to helping you address your snoring concerns with comprehensive diagnosis and effective treatment options.

If snoring is disrupting your sleep, visit our Sleep Disorders Center at Summit Health. Our expert team can provide personalized care and innovative treatments to help you and your sleep partner rest easier. Schedule an appointment with our experienced care team today and take the first step toward a better night's sleep.