Snoring isn’t usually considered a health problem, though it is a common (and sometimes serious) annoyance. For patients in El Paso, TX, who snore too much, however, it can pose a significant risk to your long-term health and wellbeing. In addition to the common causes behind snoring, which often involve a partially blocked airway, the condition can also indicate a more significant underlying sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Why do you snore, anyway?
When you sleep at night, your mouth and throat tissues can relax too much and collapse into your airway, blocking your air as you breathe. This creates increased air pressure that causes your throat tissues to vibrate loudly – hence, the sound of snoring. It also forces you to work harder to breathe, and depending on the level of obstruction, it can decrease the amount of oxygen you receive.
What could it mean?
Some people snore because of an improper sleeping position, or for a variety of other reasons. However, many snore consistently because of OSA. Sleep apnea begins as a partial obstruction but continues until your airway is completely blocked. The obstruction halts your breathing, which forces your body to panic and clear the airway. This can interrupt your sleep cycle and limit your oxygen intake repeatedly throughout the entire night.
Could a custom appliance help?
Patients who snore excessively or who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea can often find relief in the form of a custom-designed sleep appliance. The appliance can support the lower jaw in a comfortable, open position that prevents oral tissues from clogging the airway. It can serve as a more comfortable and manageable solution for sleep apnea patients who have previously relied on a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.
Find out if you should worry about snoring
If you snore too much, then you should know that it could be having an impact on your overall health and wellbeing. To learn more about how to stop snoring, schedule an appointment by calling the Sunny Smiles dental office nearest you in El Paso, TX, today! We have offices in the East, Northeast, and Westside of El Paso, and happily welcome patients from all nearby communities, including Chaparral, Canutillo, Vinton, and Sunland Park, New Mexico.