Snoring is a hoarse sound produced during sleep when air passes through relaxed tissues in the throat, causing vibrations. While often linked to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), snoring isn't always a sign of this condition. OSA involves airway blockages during sleep, leading to breathing interruptions, loud snoring, daytime fatigue, morning headaches, and sore throats.

However, snoring can also occur independently of OSA, caused by factors like obesity, alcohol consumption, or nasal blockage. Only a formal sleep study can diagnose sleep apnea. If you suspect sleep apnea, consulting a sleep physician is crucial, even if you only experience snoring.

Signs of sleep apnea, a frequent cause of snoring, include:

• Loud snoring

• Restless sleep

• Daytime sleepiness

• Difficulty concentrating

• Breathing pauses during sleep

• Morning headaches

• Sore throat

• Choking or gasping during sleep

• Disrupted partner’s sleep

If you wake up gasping or your partner reports loud snoring, consult Dr. Jaclyn Martinez for a sleep apnea evaluation.

Dr. Martinez collaborates with your current physician or connects you with a specialist for a thorough diagnosis and treatment plan. Sleep physicians diagnose sleep apnea through evaluating symptoms, medical history, risk factors, and a sleep study (polysomnogram). This study monitors sleep patterns, breathing, and physiological measures.

The results, showing breathing interruptions, oxygen levels, and wakefulness during the night, guide the diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

To reduce or eliminate snoring and enhance sleep quality, Dr. Martinez may suggest:

Lifestyle Changes: Weight loss, sleeping positions, treating nasal congestion, and avoiding alcohol before bed can reduce snoring risk.

Oral Appliance Therapy: Custom-fit oral appliances reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open, reducing or eliminating snoring.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): CPAP machines are common for moderate to severe sleep apnea, using air pressure to keep the airway open. While effective, they can be intrusive. For mild sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy, provided by specialists like California Dental Sleep Solutions, can be more comfortable and effective.

Don't let loud snoring affect your sleep quality. Contact California Dental Sleep Solutions for relief today, either over the phone or online.