SNORING

UNDERSTANDING

Snoring

Snoring is a common sleep-related issue that affects many individuals. It occurs when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is partially blocked during sleep, resulting in vibrations of the soft tissues in the throat, including the uvula and the back of the tongue, creating the characteristic sound associated with snoring. The intensity and frequency of snoring can vary, ranging from mild and occasional to loud and chronic.

Snoring can be disruptive to both the snorer and their partner, and it may indicate an underlying health concern. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and potential impacts of untreated snoring is essential for seeking appropriate treatment and improving sleep quality. If you or your loved ones’ snoring seems out of control, then we encourage you to visit us at The Chattanooga Sleep Center, located in Chattanooga. We will be able to assess you, diagnose you, and create a personalized treatment plan. We look forward to seeing you.

IMPACTS OF UNTREATED SNORING

While snoring may seem harmless, it can have significant impacts on both the snorer and their bed partner. If you or someone you know snores excessively, we encourage you to come in and speak with Dr. Smith. We offer effective snoring treatments in Chattanooga. Some potential consequences of untreated snoring include:

Sleep disturbances: Chronic snoring can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to poor sleep quality and fragmented sleep. This can result in excessive daytime sleepiness, reduced cognitive function, and decreased productivity.

Relationship strain: Snoring can create tension and strain in intimate relationships. The loud noise can disrupt the sleep of the bed partner, causing frustration, resentment, and potential sleep disturbances for both individuals.

Increased health risks: Snoring may indicate an underlying sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and an increased risk of accidents.

Fatigue and decreased quality of life: Snoring-related sleep disturbances can result in chronic fatigue, irritability, and a diminished overall quality of life.

RISK FACTORS FOR SNORING

While anyone can snore occasionally, certain risk factors may contribute to chronic snoring:

Obesity: Excess weight, particularly in the neck area, can lead to the narrowing of the airway, increasing the risk of snoring.

Age and gender: Snoring becomes more common as individuals age. Men are more likely to snore compared to women, although snoring can affect individuals of all genders and age groups.

Nasal congestion: Chronic nasal congestion, caused by allergies, sinus infections, or structural abnormalities, can obstruct the airflow and contribute to snoring.

Alcohol consumption and sedative use: Alcohol and sedatives relax the muscles in the throat, increasing the likelihood of airway blockage and snoring.

Sleeping position: Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue and soft tissues in the throat to fall back, obstructing the airway and leading to snoring.

SYMPTOMS OF SNORING

Snoring is typically characterized by the following symptoms:

Noisy breathing during sleep: The primary symptom of snoring is the audible sound produced during sleep. The noise can vary in volume and may be described as raspy, hoarse, or vibrating.

Restless sleep: Snorers often experience disrupted sleep patterns, waking up frequently throughout the night. This can lead to feeling unrested and fatigued during the day.

Daytime sleepiness: Snoring can result in excessive daytime sleepiness, making it challenging to concentrate and perform daily tasks and potentially increasing the risk of accidents at work or while driving.

Morning headaches: Snorers may wake up with headaches due to disrupted sleep and inadequate oxygen intake during the night.

Dry mouth and sore throat: Snoring can cause dryness in the mouth and throat, leading to discomfort and irritation.

Schedule My Sleep Study

Treatment options for snoring

Depending on the severity of your snoring and other symptoms, Dr. Smith might suggest a sleep study. Sometimes sleep tests can be carried out at home. However, based on your other health issues and other sleep-related symptoms, you might need to spend the night at our sleep center to participate in research called polysomnography, which will thoroughly examine your breathing patterns while you sleep. Not to worry, though; the Chattanooga Sleep Center has a cozy and welcoming environment; you’ll feel right at home!

After your sleep test has been completed, Dr. Smith can suggest the following:

Lifestyle modifications: Making certain lifestyle changes can help reduce snoring. These may include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed, practicing good sleep hygiene, and sleeping in a different position.

Oral Device Therapy: Custom-made oral appliances can help alleviate snoring by repositioning the jaw and tongue, improving airflow during sleep

It is crucial to work closely with Dr. Smith at the Chattanooga Sleep Center to determine the most effective treatment plan for you based on the underlying causes and severity of your snoring.

How we can help?

At The Chattanooga Sleep Center, we understand how disruptive snoring can be for both you and your partner’s sleep quality. That’s why our team works with you to create a personalized treatment plan designed to help reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life. We offer a range of snoring treatment options, including sleep studies, oral appliances, and lifestyle modifications, to help you get the restful sleep you deserve.

Don’t wait any longer to get the snoring treatment that you need. Schedule an appointment today with our board-certified doctors at The Chattanooga Sleep Center for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized care plan. Our team is dedicated to providing top-quality sleep disorder services so that you can start feeling better now and into the future. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help!

Frequently Asked Questions

Although loud snoring is a significant indicator of sleep apnea, it does not guarantee that you have the illness. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects 95% of snorers, but not all snorers have OSA.

The percentage of men who snore is about 40%, compared to approximately 20% of women. Due to the shape of their airways, men snore more frequently. A higher percentage of soft tissue and a propensity to put on fat in the neck is to blame for this. Additionally, while female hormones prevent it, male hormones promote airway collapse.

Children can snore on occasion, just like adults, and it's not harmful. If your child snores often throughout the night and at least four nights a week, further care should be taken.

Watch out for these signs:

They snore more than four nights a week
They frequently snore with their mouths open.
You can hear pauses in their breathing.
They have trouble waking up.
They doze off in class,
They are unusually agitated
They are experiencing headaches or a sore throat.

If you are concerned about your child’s snoring, contact us, we have several treatments available at The Chattanooga Sleep Center.

Yes. Depending on the location of the vibrations and impediments, different varieties of snoring make distinct noises. Initial research has indicated that sleep apnea-related snoring has a greater peak frequency than habitual snoring, although we are not yet able to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea solely by listening to the snoring sound.

Dr Kent White | (423) 264-2300 | 1032 McCallie Ave #300A, Chattanooga, TN 374031 | info@chattsleep.com

Dr. Daniel R. Smith | (423) 693-2800 | 1032 McCallie Ave #300, Chattanooga, TN 374031 | info@chattsleep.com

Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Accessibility Statement | Designed by Morningdove