More than likely, you or your partner has experienced a sleepless night due to snoring. The truth is that everyone snores from time to time; usually, the cause is nothing serious. You could be getting over a cold or your partner might struggle with seasonal allergies. However, if the problem is a frequent one, there might be cause for concern. And if you live with a snoring partner, that probably sounds like a massive understatement.

Not only will nightly snoring sessions lead to stress in your relationship and even disrupt your daily routine, but they could also indicate some underlying health issues that require immediate attention.

But before you explore snoring treatment options, it’s helpful to understand some of the more common causes of snoring. They include:

• Age — As we grow older, our throats become more narrow and throat muscle tone often decreases.
• Weight And Build — If you are overweight or don’t exercise regularly, you might also carry excess weight in your neck or around your throat. There are also certain physical features that make some individuals more likely to snore, like having a cleft palate or enlarge adenoids.
• Vices And Medications — Those who smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, or take certain medications (like certain tranquilizers) are often more likely to snore than those who do not partake in these activities because they can increase muscular relaxation or aggravate sinus issues.
• Nasal Problems — If you frequently have a stuffy nose, sinus headaches, or blocked airways, breathing will often be more difficult. These issues can even create a vacuum in the throat that causes snoring.

Sleeping Position

• Sleep Apnea — This serious sleep disorder is more common than you might think. In fact, an estimated one-fifth of American adults have sleep apnea but have never been diagnosed. Sleep apnea sufferers experience interrupted breathing throughout the night, and this has the potential to cause some major health issues. If you or your partner snores loudly, is extremely tired during the day, and gasps or stops breathing during the night, seek out sleep apnea treatment from your ear nose and throat doctor right away.

But assuming you don’t need to pursue sleep apnea-related snoring treatment from your ENT doctor, what can you do about excessive snoring? Here are a few suggestions to try.

Add In Moisture
Your ENT may determine that sinus issues are at the root of the problem. Aside from medications, you might also want to eliminate dry air to provide some relief. Nasal sprays and rinses can do wonders for allergy sufferers or for those who experience year-round nasal issues. Using a humidifier in your bedroom can be beneficial, too. By clearing out the nasal passages and restoring moisture into the air, you may be able to sleep more comfortably.

Embrace A Healthy Lifestyle
It may surprise you, but exercising and eating healthier can have a huge impact on your snoring. By losing just a little bit of weight, you’ll probably find you’re more comfortable during the day and during the night. Exercising can also help with muscle tone (even in your throat!) to reduce snoring. You should also consider quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and refrain from taking sedatives or sleeping pills. Since smoking irritates your nose and throat and alcohol and medications can lead to over-relaxation of the throat, you’ll be better off abstaining from these activities altogether.

Visit Your ENT
When in doubt (or when nothing else has worked), you should explore the best options for snoring treatment Sherman TX has to offer. Your doctor may be able to advise you on the best sleeping positions or devices that might reduce your chances of snoring. Even if you don’t require major snoring treatment, it’s better to have as much information as possible. Your doctor may even be able to guide you through throat-strengthening exercises that can allow you and your partner to get a more restful night’s sleep.

Looking for some peace and some precious “Z”s? We may be able to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.