Having Trouble Sleeping Due to Snoring?
Does your partner complain about constant snoring keeping them awake at night? If snoring keeps your partner awake, it can not only affect their sleep quality but also impact how they function on the daily basis. Snoring can also be one of the signs of sleep apnea which has additional detrimental effects on the patient. At the Center for Dental Sleep Health, Dr. Ura treats both snoring and sleep apnea.
The first step is making sure you get the right diagnosis. Then we’ll find the treatment that’s right for you. Dr. Ura is proud to offer his years of expertise to patients from Nashua as well as Nashua’s surrounding areas including Hudson, Milford, and many more.
Snoring May be a Bigger Issue Than You Think
Snoring is the result of air passing through constricted tissue somewhere along the airway as you inhale. Almost everyone has snored at some point in their lives. In fact, snoring affects over 90 million Americans. Recurrent heavy snoring can be a serious problem for two reasons: First, loud snoring is often extremely disruptive for the people around you, particularly your spouse or sleep partner. That’s why snoring can lead to serious conflict in a relationship.
Another major concern with heavy snoring is that it’s often an indication that the patient is suffering from sleep apnea. Additional symptoms of sleep apnea include daytime drowsiness and irritability.
Snoring: Causes and Solutions
There are many factors that contribute to snoring. These include:
- Age
- Weight
- Gender
- Pregnancy
- Allergies
- Nasal congestion
- Alcohol consumption
- Sleeping position
- Family history
Some of these factors can be managed by lifestyle changes, such as altering your sleeping position or losing weight.
Whether you have sleep apnea or you’re just a heavy snorer, our team is here to help. For some sleep apnea patients, continuous positive airway passage (CPAP) treatment is the right solution. But a lot of people have difficulty with CPAP, which can be restrictive and difficult to use. Many of our patients find relief with our small and convenient oral appliances.
Getting the Right Dianosis with a Sleep Study
The only way to accurately diagnose sleep apnea is by participating in a sleep study. This can be performed by spending the night at a sleep center, or Dr. Ura can arrange for you to take your sleep test at home using a portable device.
Your sleep test results will be reviewed by an experienced sleep physician who will determine if your loud snoring is a result of sleep apnea. Once you have an accurate diagnosis, Dr. Ura will find the right treatment option that restores your rest and provides relief for you and the people around you.
If you’ve already received a sleep apnea diagnosis and you discovered that CPAP isn’t right for you, give us a call at (603) 237-1124 today. We feature additional options for treating both sleep apnea and snoring. Learn more about our convenient oral appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CPAP work for everyone?
No, it doesn’t work for patients living with sleep apnea. While CPAP treatment is the most common form of treatment, many people experience great difficulty adjusting to the face mask. Some patients also experience some side effects associated with CPAP machines such as headaches or dry sinuses. If you’re currently using a CPAP machine for sleep apnea but find it uncomfortable, call our Nashua office at (603) 237-1124 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Ura will be able to assist you with finding an alternative option.
Does snoring mean I have sleep apnea?
Snoring doesn’t always indicate an existing sleep disorder. While snoring is one of the symptoms in patients with sleep apnea, snoring can also occur due to the following reasons:
- Age
- Sleep position
- Medications
- Lack of sleep
- Alcohol consumption before bed
It’s recommended that you consult with a sleep specialist about your snoring. They can help answer your questions and concerns and find the right treatment to help alleviate your sleep symptoms.
Does sleep apnea ever go away?
Sleep apnea may go away for some people, but in most cases, you’ll need to continue your treatment. Oral appliances aren’t cures for sleep apnea, though they can make it seem like you don’t have a sleep disorder at all.
Learning how to properly treat your sleep disorder can make a huge difference in your life. Lifestyles changes can lead to significant improvements in your sleep apnea symptoms, such as:
- Weight loss
- Quitting smoking
- Reducing alcohol intake
- Learning to sleep on your side
What is a sleep study?
When you undergo a sleep study, it’s a non-invasive, overnight sleep study that tracks your brain wave patterns, oxygen levels, snoring, heart rate, etc. This overnight study helps your sleep physician determine your diagnosis. Dr. Ura will help you find the treatment that best fits your condition and needs.
Get the Sleep You Deserve
Ignoring your snoring can be fatal and can affect your daily life. Fortunately, Dr. Ura can help you find the best treatment for you. Schedule your consultation at our Nashua office at (603) 237-1124. You can also fill out our online contact form below and one of our staff will get to you promptly. We’re proud to provide services to the Nashua community as well as Nashua’s surrounding areas such as Hudson, Merrimack, Milford, and many more.