Snoring & Sleep Apnea Link - Sleep Better NW

Do You Snore? Tired Of Being Tired?

Posted on March 9, 2014 by Dr. Erin Elliott

Snoring is the hoarse or harsh sound that occurs when your breathing is partially obstructed in some way while you’re sleeping. Sometimes snoring may indicate a serious health condition. In addition, snoring can be a nuisance to your partner.

As many as half of adults snore but what is funny is that 69% of Americans say their bed partner snores. Snoring occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in your throat, causing the tissues to vibrate as you breathe, which creates those irritating sounds.

Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol close to bedtime or sleeping on your side, can help stop snoring.

Depending on the cause of your snoring, your symptoms may include:

  • Noise during sleep
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Sore throat
  • Restless sleep
  • Acid reflux or burning
  • Gasping or choking at night
  • High blood pressure
  • Chest pain at night

Make an appointment with us if:

  • Your snoring is so loud it’s disrupting your partner’s sleep
  • You wake up choking or gasping
  • You wake up unrefreshed even after a full night’s sleep
  • You are tired of being tired

These may indicate your snoring is caused by a more serious condition, such as obstructive sleep apnea.  And we can help!  At Sleep Better Northwest we have a custom fitted oral device that can safely and effective treat your condition and it is covered by MEDICAL insurance.

If your child snores, ask your pediatrician or dental sleep medicine specialist about it. Children can have obstructive sleep apnea too. Nose and throat problems — such as enlarged tonsils — and obesity often can narrow a child’s airway, which can lead to your child developing sleep apnea. Treating these conditions may help your child in many ways.