What Causes Snoring?
Snoring happens when air struggles to move smoothly through the airway during sleep. As tissues in the throat and soft palate vibrate, the sound of snoring occurs. Common causes include:
- Relaxed throat muscles during sleep
- Sleeping on your back
- Nasal congestion or allergies
- Alcohol or sedative use before bed
- Weight gain or obesity
- Jaw and airway anatomy that narrows breathing passages
While occasional snoring isn’t unusual, frequent or loud snoring may point to something more serious. As part of our comprehensive dental care in Columbus, Ohio, we help patients identify when snoring is simply a nuisance and when it may indicate an underlying health concern.
Is Snoring a Health Problem?
Snoring isn’t always harmless. Chronic snoring disrupts quality sleep and may affect your partner’s rest as well. More importantly, it can also be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where the airway closes repeatedly during sleep. Sleep apnea increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and daytime fatigue that can impair safety and focus.
Signs that your snoring may be linked to a health concern include:
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Waking with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Morning headaches
- Daytime sleepiness despite a full night of rest
- Mood swings, irritability, or difficulty concentrating
If you notice these symptoms, it may be time to talk to a professional.
When to Seek Help for Snoring in Columbus, OH
Not all snoring requires medical intervention, but if it’s frequent, disruptive, or paired with other symptoms, it should not be ignored. Snoring may be the first noticeable sign of sleep apnea, and early evaluation is key to protecting your health.
Our Columbus, Ohio dental office offers airway screenings to help determine whether snoring is just a nuisance or a sign of something more serious.
Snoring vs. Sleep Apnea
It’s important to know the difference:
- Snoring: Caused by vibration of relaxed airway tissues, may or may not indicate a medical problem.
- Sleep Apnea: Involves repeated pauses in breathing, leading to reduced oxygen levels and strain on the body.
Snoring doesn’t always mean you have sleep apnea, but nearly everyone with sleep apnea snores.
Take Snoring Seriously
Snoring may be common, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Understanding its causes and risks can help you make informed decisions about your health. If snoring is affecting your rest, your partner’s sleep, or comes with other concerning symptoms, it may be time for a closer look.
Learn more about solutions for snoring in Columbus, OH by calling (614) 848-5001.
