Snoring

Snoring is a common occurrence in the nights of many adults. Almost half of all adults snore at least occasionally, and 25% of adults are habitual snorers.

The very noise of snoring is caused by an obstruction of the sleeper’s airways. The problem area is at the back of the mouth and throat. When the muscles and tissues are relaxed, as in deep sleep, the moving air from breathing causes this tissue to vibrate and cause the sound we know as snoring.

In children, the sound of snoring can be caused by swollen tonsils or adenoids. An adeno-tonsillectomy is a familiar and common solution to this problem.

As common as it is, snoring can be a powerful sign of a more fundamental  underlying health issue. Because this noise is caused by a breathing obstruction, it can be a sign of sleep apnea - a serious condition wherein a person's breathing is interrupted for as long as ten seconds at a time or longer while sleeping.

The primary result of snoring is a loss of sleep, but that loss of sleep can lead to other complications, including depression, anxiety and attention problems. All of these have significant real-world implications, such as loss of productivity and impaired driving due to exhaustion.

There are many treatment options available, both medical (non-invasive) and surgical, to reduce or alleviate snoring. If you suffer from snoring, contact our office to schedule an appointment. We can evaluate your situation to determine the cause of your snoring and discuss treatment options to ensure more peaceful nights for you and your loved ones.