If you snore, you’re not alone. Somewhere in the neighborhood of one quarter to half of all people snore at some point during their lives.
For some, snoring happens when they’ve got a cold and isn’t much of a big deal. For others, snoring is a nightly occurrence, and even disruptive to their sleep and their lives. They might wake themselves up in the middle of the night from snoring loudly or they might feel their partners poke or prod them because of their disruptive snores.
While snoring can be a major pain and annoyance, treatments are available and range from losing weight to undergoing surgery. Although it might seem extreme to consider surgery for a problem like snoring, there are numerous benefits to proactively seeking out treatment for snoring.
You’ll Sleep Better
Perhaps the first benefit of undergoing snoring treatment is that you’re likely to get a better night’s sleep on a consistent basis. When you snore, you might not be getting the deep sleep as you think you are. That can particularly be the case if your snoring occurs as a result of sleep apnea, a condition that causes you to stop breathing from time to time during your sleep.
Once you’re not snoring anymore, you should be able to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. In the morning, you’re likely to feel significantly more well-rested and refreshed.
Your Partner Will Be Happier
Snoring can cause marital and relationship strain, especially if your partner doesn’t snore and ends up being kept awake by you. Some people find that they need to sleep in separate rooms or in other areas of the house because one person snores so loudly.
You Might Enjoy Better Health
Although it might seem so innocent, snoring is connected to several chronic health issues or can put you at increased risk for developing certain chronic conditions. For example, snoring can increase your risk for having a stroke. People who snore loudly and for prolonged periods are more likely to have thickening of the arteries and a build up of plaque in the arteries, which raises the risk for stroke. People with sleep apnea and snoring have an even higher risk for developing heart problems.
Other health issues stem from the lack of sleep that can occur if you snore regularly. For example, if you aren’t getting enough sleep, you might be more likely to feel anxious or slightly depressed. Treating your snoring can help to improve your mental health.
Understand Your Snoring Treatment Options
Treatments for snoring are almost as varied as the people who have the problem. In some cases, the first treatment option is often to lose weight, if you are over the recommended weight for your height and build.
Being overweight or obese can put extra weight or pressure on the airways while you sleep, which can cause the airways to vibrate and to create the noises associated with snoring.
Making some lifestyle changes might also help to alleviate snoring. For example, if you usually enjoy a drink or two before bed, try cutting back on alcohol to see if it helps curb the snores. Sleeping on your side or stomach instead of your back might also help.
If none of those changes help, your surgeon might be able to recommend a medical treatment for snoring. In-office or surgical treatments include uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (a type of surgery), implants, or injections. A doctor might also prescribe an oral appliance that you can wear while sleeping. The appliance will reposition your jaw so that you don’t snore.
ABOUT DR. RUBINSTEIN
Dr. Rubinstein has nearly sixteen years of experience helping patients with breathing problems in the Hudson Valley. A board-certified facial plastic surgeon and board-certified otolaryngologist, he has extensive knowledge of laser procedures, facial plastic surgery, and nasal and sinus treatments, which allows him to improve aesthetics as well as the functionality of the nose and facial features. Dr. Rubinstein received his board certifications through the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. To learn more about how to treat and cope with snoring, schedule an appointment with Dr. Rubinstein at the Hudson Valley Sinus Center by calling 845-562-6673.