Is Snoring a Health Concern?

Sleep affects our everyday lives more than we think, especially when we don’t get enough. This is a major problem for millions of Americans, as one-third of adults get less than seven hours of rest regularly. 

Insufficient sleep can happen for a number of reasons, including insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea, and the drowsiness it causes can lead to accidents on the road and on the job.

Snoring is a common occurrence for many people as they sleep. It doesn’t necessarily indicate health concerns despite the noises made when it happens. But, are there reasons to worry? If you live in Chicago, Illinois, and think your snoring may be cause for concern, our medical team at Michigan Avenue Primary Care can help.

Let’s explore why you snore, signs that may indicate other conditions, and how to manage it.

Why people snore

The harsh, saw-like noises typical of snoring happen when the tissue in the back of your throat vibrates while you’re asleep due to air not moving through properly. 

Because you’re sleeping when it happens, you may not even know you’re snoring unless someone tells you. Signs you might be snoring include morning headaches, sore throat, restless sleep, or daytime fatigue. You may realize you’re snoring if you suddenly wake up choking or gasping in the middle of the night. 

Snoring can happen as a result of the position you sleep in, nasal polyps, a deviated septum, a thick neck, enlarged adenoids or tonsils, being obese, using sedatives or antihistamines, or smoking or alcohol use.

When snoring becomes a cause for concern

Generally speaking, mild cases of snoring are harmless, but it’s also a common sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a problem where you stop breathing at various points as you sleep. 

OSA happens as a result of a blockage in your airway due to issues such as excess tissue in your windpipe if you're overweight, genetic problems like Downs or Prader-Willi syndrome, structural issues with your throat, enlarged adenoids or tonsils, a thick neck, an underbite, or a small lower jaw.

OSA can lead to fatigue during the day, affecting your ability to function when you’re awake. It can also cause arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, heart damage, heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiac arrest.

How to treat snoring

Treatments for snoring and OSA are similar, such as dental mouthpieces you wear when you sleep, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, and different forms of surgery, depending on the cause of your blockage. 

Conservative options, like focusing on weight loss, nasal sprays, adhesive strips for your nose, and changing positions when you sleep can also be used for mild cases of snoring or OSA.

Sleep is essential for everyone. If snoring is making it difficult for you to get adequate rest, make an appointment with our team at Michigan Avenue Primary Care today. Call our office or book an appointment online.