Snoring affects an estimated 75 million Americans – that’s nearly 1 in 4 adults! While snoring alone can be an annoyance, it can also be a sign of sleep-disordered breathing. Snoring is a noise made by the vibration of tissue in the upper airway, i.e. your mouth, nose and back of the throat. For 80% of patients, the soft palatte (the soft tissue that extends the roof of your mouth to the back of your throat) is the primary cuase of snoring. This can become more pronounced with age, being overweight, or with use of alcohol or smoking.
What causes snoring?
The consequences of snoring vary greatly and include
- Daytime Sleepiness
- Poor Mental & Emotional Health
- Decreased Productivity
- Slower Reaction Times
- Increased Risks for:
- Heart Attack & Stroke
- High Blood Pressure
- Weight Gain
- Sexual Dysfunction
Treatment for Snoring & Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea is diagnosed with a physical exam in conjunction with a sleep study, which can often be performed at the patient’s own home. Many patients who are diagnosed with sleep apnea can benefit from using a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) or BIPAP Machine at bedtime. When CPAP/BIPAP is ineffective or poorly tolerated, other options such as an oral appliance or surgery of the palate can be considered.
