Have you recently started snoring, even though you've never snored before? If so, you're not alone. Many adults develop snoring later in life and are surprised when it suddenly becomes part of their nightly routine.
While occasional snoring may seem harmless, persistent or worsening snoring can sometimes signal an underlying airway issue, including obstructive sleep apnea.
At Danbury Smiles, Dr. George Landress helps patients discover the cause of their snoring and determine whether treatment can improve their sleep, health, and quality of life.
Snoring occurs when the airway becomes partially blocked during sleep. As air flows through the narrowed airway, the soft tissues of the throat vibrate, creating the familiar snoring sound.
If you've recently begun snoring, there's usually a reason. Changes in your health, lifestyle, or airway can all contribute.
Even a modest weight gain can increase pressure around your neck and airway. This narrowing can make it more difficult for air to pass freely during sleep, resulting in snoring.
As we age, the muscles that support the airway naturally lose some of their tone. During sleep, these relaxed muscles are more likely to partially block the airway.
Sleeping on your back allows gravity to pull the tongue and soft tissues toward the back of the throat, increasing the chance of snoring.
Changing to a side-sleeping position may reduce airway obstruction for some people.
Seasonal allergies, sinus infections, and nasal congestion can make breathing through your nose more difficult. Mouth breathing often follows, increasing the likelihood of snoring.
Alcohol, sleep medications, muscle relaxers, and some antihistamines can relax the muscles surrounding the airway, making snoring more frequent and louder.
Snoring is often one of the first signs of obstructive sleep apnea.
You should consider scheduling an evaluation if your snoring is accompanied by:
These symptoms may indicate obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that should be properly evaluated and treated.
Depending on the cause, these healthy habits may help reduce snoring:
If your snoring continues despite these changes, it's time to seek professional care.
At Danbury Smiles, Dr. George Landress provides comprehensive evaluations for patients experiencing chronic snoring and symptoms of sleep apnea.
If appropriate, treatment may include a custom oral appliance designed to gently reposition the lower jaw and help keep the airway open while you sleep.
Many patients appreciate oral appliance therapy because it is comfortable, quiet, portable, and easy to travel with.
Quality sleep affects nearly every aspect of your health—from your energy level and memory to your heart health and overall well-being.
Dr. George Landress takes a personalized approach to airway health, helping patients identify the cause of their snoring and develop treatment plans tailored to their individual needs.
Whether you're looking for relief from chronic snoring or answers about possible sleep apnea, our team is here to help.
If you've recently started snoring or your snoring has become louder over time, don't ignore it.
An evaluation at Danbury Smiles can help determine what's causing your snoring and whether treatment may improve your sleep and overall health.
Danbury Smiles
Dr. George Landress
93 West Street
Danbury, CT 06810
(203) 743-7608
Call today to schedule your consultation and learn more about personalized snoring help in Danbury, CT and treatment options for sleep apnea.