Snoring
Sleep disorders can significantly impact a patient’s daily life, affecting both daytime and nighttime functioning. These conditions require treatment as they prevent individuals from achieving restful sleep and reduce productivity during the day. Sleep disorders can be caused by pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, nasal and sinus inflammation, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, high blood pressure, anxiety, and clinical depression. Other non-medical factors include poor sleep habits, lifestyle choices, stress, and diet.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Snoring
- Loud or Frequent Snoring:
- Snoring that is loud enough to disturb your own or others’ sleep.
- Regular snoring that occurs most nights.
- Pauses in Breathing:
- Observed interruptions in breathing during sleep (a potential sign of sleep apnea).
- Gasping, choking, or snorting sounds as breathing resumes.
- Restless Sleep:
- Frequent tossing and turning during the night.
- Waking up feeling unrefreshed or tired despite getting enough sleep.
- Daytime Sleepiness:
- Excessive sleepiness during the day.
- Feeling drowsy or falling asleep at inappropriate times (e.g., during meetings, driving).
- Morning Headaches:
- Waking up with headaches, often due to interrupted breathing during sleep.
- Difficulty Concentrating:
- Trouble focusing or maintaining attention during the day.
- Memory problems or forgetfulness.
- Mood Changes:
- Increased irritability, anxiety, or depression.
- Changes in mood or behavior due to poor sleep quality.
- Sore Throat or Dry Mouth:
- Waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth, often due to breathing through the mouth during sleep.
- Witnessed Apneas:
- Reports from a bed partner of observed pauses in breathing or gasping during sleep.
Sleep Disorders And Snoring
People with sleep disorders often experience interrupted breathing throughout the night, accompanied by episodes of snoring due to airway obstruction. Snoring is frequently a common sign of a sleep disorder. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one such disorder, characterized by the blockage of airways during sleep. Sleep disorders are serious conditions that require treatment, as OSA patients frequently have their breathing interrupted by choking, gasping, or snoring throughout the night.
Common Issues
- Breathing Interruptions: Episodes of stopped or shallow breathing.
- Poor Sleep Quality: Disrupted sleep leading to daytime fatigue.
- Heart Strain: Increased cardiovascular risks due to frequent awakenings and oxygen deprivation.
Sleep disorders, coupled with snoring, can pose significant health risks. Patients with these conditions may experience breathing interruptions, light sleeping, and elevated blood pressure. Improving snoring may involve losing weight, sleeping on your side, and consulting a doctor to explore all available options.
When To Seek Help
Consulting a sleep specialist is an excellent way to identify the cause of sleep disruptors like snoring. Snoring can often be resolved through the use of devices, lifestyle changes, and a doctor’s evaluation. Discover the cause and find the cure today by booking a consultation with one of our top sleep specialists. We offer a variety of sleep disorder treatments tailored to each patient. We are here to help your sleep disorder subside and fade away.
During each consultation, Dr. Chernobilsky will review the patient’s medical history and symptoms to begin creating a personalized treatment plan. A sleep test may be recommended for further evaluation. We offer both in-lab and at-home sleep studies to assess all signs and symptoms firsthand. Based on these assessments and test results, we will identify the optimal treatment option for the patient.