28 Dec I Snore But Don’t Have Sleep Apnea – What Do I Do Now?
Snoring is a very common problem and is strongly linked to a condition known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a potentially dangerous condition that causes restriction of the airways during the night and is associated with serious conditions such as stroke and heart attacks.
If you’re a heavy snorer, it is important that you’re assessed by a medical professional as soon as possible. If you’re diagnosed with OSA, you will probably be offered helpful treatments that will improve your snoring and, by extension, your sleep quality. If, on the other hand, you are declared OSA-free, you may feel unsure about what to do next.
While it is undoubtedly a good thing to be free of OSA and its attendant health concerns, most medical insurance packages in the US do not cover treatments for generalized snoring without a confirmed diagnosis of disease. To stop your snoring and avoid feeling frustrated and fatigued for years to come, therefore, you may need to shake up your lifestyle habits.
Causes of Snoring and How to Address Them
If your doctor has been unable to determine the cause of your snoring, you may need to take matters into your own hands. Figuring out why you snore could help you to treat the problem effectively. Some of the most common causes of becoming a snorer include:
1. Being Overweight
Poor muscle tone and excess fat can contribute to snoring issues. Even if your body mass index (BMI) falls within the healthy range, carrying excess fat around the neck and throat can significantly increase your chances of developing a snoring problem. Fortunately, making a few simple lifestyle changes such as exercising more and improving your diet could be enough to address your issues and significantly improve sleep quality.
2. Age
The throat tends to become narrower as we age, something which can cause snoring issues. While there is nothing you can do about getting older, focusing on maintaining good sleep hygiene could be enough to address the problem. This should include maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding screens just before you go to bed, and optimizing your bedroom conditions for sleep.
3. Sinus Problems
If your sinuses feel blocked on a regular basis, you may be suffering from a condition such as chronic sinusitis, which can cause you to snore. If you suspect a sinus issue, there are many over the counter and prescription treatments available to help you breathe clearly again – book an appointment with your doctor for more information.
4. Alcohol, Cigarettes, and Other Substances
Alcohol, cigarettes, and certain medications such as diazepam and tranquilizers can relax the throat muscles and lead to snoring. Therefore, cutting back on these substances or only using them at certain times of the day could seriously improve your sleeping problems.
5. Posture
If you sleep flat on your back, your airways are more susceptible to blockage or restriction. Simply changing your sleep position could have a significant impact on how often you snore.
Get In Touch Today
If you want to learn more about why you snore and how to treat it, get in touch with TMJ today.