You’re not alone. Almost half of all U.S. adults snore at least occasionally, and about 1 in every 4 adults snore habitually. Two thirds of all partnered adults say that theirpartner snores and causes a loss of an hour’s sleep every night! 1 And worse yet, 28% of snorers also experience sleep apnea. 2
What Causes Habitual Snoring?
During sleep, the flow of air through the passages at the back of your mouth and nose can become turbulent due to obstruction for a variety of reasons. This turbulent airflow produces vibrations, generating the snoring sound which disrupts healthy sleep, interrupts your partner’s rest, and can lead to serious health consequences, like sleep apnea.
And What is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a severe disorder that causes you to stop breathing while asleep. Because this deprives your brain of oxygen, it can cause morning headaches, loss of interest in sex, or a decline in mental functioning. It can also lead to high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and an increased risk of heart attacks and stroke. 3
If you suffer from poor sleep quality due to obstructive sleep apnea, your likelihood of being involved in a car crash is as much as six times greater than someone without a sleep disorder. And your bed partner may suffer from a side-effect of apnea known as “Spousal Arousal Syndrome,” waking up as many as 21 times an hour 1 as you stop and start breathing with a gasp.
Treating Your Sleep Disorder
Sleep apnea and snoring are often traced to a nasal or sinus problem. You may be experiencing swelling from allergies, you may have obstruction from sinusitis, polyps, or nasal valve collapse. Abnormalities or changes in tissues of the tongue and throat can also contribute to snoring and sleep apnea
All of these conditions need evaluation and treatment by an ENT specialist, like Dr. Skarada. He is a board-certified Ear Nose & Throat specialist and can evaluate your specific situation to offer the best and most advanced treatment and care available.
