What Causes Snoring? (Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Encino, Tarzana, Chatsworth, Calabasas, Studio City, Sherman Oaks)

Snoring is something which, unfortunately, is usually much more a factor in the life of the snorer’s partner than it is in their own. Some people snore so loudly that the actually wake themselves up at times. While it is sometimes the cause for some good-natured ribbing between partners, snoring can also be a sign of something more serious. Particularly if the snoring person stops breathing for a few seconds at a time at various intervals, there can be a life-threatening condition at play. Snoring is related to respiration and it can be caused by numerous factors.

Some individuals have abnormal tissues and structures in their nasal passages and in the back of their throat. Conditions such as a deviated septum may cause snoring in some individuals. Individuals with a lot of tissue in the back of their throat, a large uvula or large tonsils or adenoids may also be snorers. Individuals who drink alcohol before bedtime are notorious snorers, as are smokers. The problems related to the structure of the soft tissue in the throat, however, can cause far more serious issues than a partner who misses a good night’s sleep now and then.

Sleep apnea is a condition which is sometimes accompanied by snoring. These are the individuals who snore, stop for a second and then either jerk awake or gasp for air. What’s happening, in the case of obstructive sleep apnea, is that the tissues in their soft palate and at the back of their throat are obstructing their airway. This causes not only the snoring, but pauses in breathing that may go on for as long as two minutes. There are very serious consequences if this condition is left untreated, some of them deadly.

Sleep apnea can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and other ailments. It is also associated with problems with work, paying attention, learning deficiencies and all manner of mood-related problems. Individuals who are constantly sleep-deprived may find themselves becoming depressed, gaining or losing weight unexpectedly, losing their sex drive or performing many of their everyday tasks on “autopilot”. The condition can be treated, however. The most common method of treating this disorder is with a machine that maintains a constant positive pressure in the airway. Surgeries of various types are sometimes relied upon. Sometimes tissue at the back of the throat is excised and sometimes obesity-reducing surgeries are employed.

Dental appliances can be used to treat both sleep apnea and simple snoring. These devices are prescribed by a physician to treat the sleep disorder or the snoring, but a dentist will make them for you. The dentist will adjust the device so that it provides the most possible relief. These appliances usually either retain the tongue so that it is forward of the airway or pull the jaw slightly forward to ensure a clear airway. This is actually the same principle that is used to clear an airway in CPR. If your snoring is a problem, you should see a doctor.

To learn more about Sleep Apnea treatments and to find out if they are right for you, contact Smile Studio LA at 818-788-1352 today for a free consultation!