Snoring is an incredibly common sleep issue, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating or annoying when it happens! In addition to possibly being indicative of a sleep disorder, it can also be hard on a marriage or relationship if your snoring keeps everyone awake all night.

Half of Americans report occasional snoring, and it is usually not a problem. Snoring is the vibrating sound of extra tissue in your nose and throat when air attempts to move through your throat passage.

The sound itself is not dangerous, but when your snoring is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to get evaluated to rule out a sleep apnea diagnosis. Our staff at AFC Urgent Care Clemson digs into the details of snoring below.

Am I More Prone to Snoring?

If you have more throat and nasal tissue than a typical person, you are more prone to snoring while you sleep. Most people don’t know they have this excess tissue until someone alerts them to their snoring! Other contributing factors like smoking, being overweight, consuming alcohol before bed and sleeping only on your back can make your snoring problem even worse.

While many minor snoring cases aren’t a problem (simply a nuisance), sometimes it means you have developed obstructive sleep apnea. If you have sleep apnea, your breathing is stopped, disrupted or sporadic all night long. Breathing episodes can be anywhere from 10 seconds to two minutes long. If you snore and also have some of these symptoms below, get checked out quickly by a medical professional.

Symptoms Associated With Sleep Apnea

• Being excessively sleepy all day long
• Having memory loss/attention issues
• Snoring loudly enough to wake your partner
• Gasping or choking yourself awake

Do I Need to Go Get a Sleep Study Done?

Sleep studies are a great way to help diagnose any sleep disorders. You are monitored while you sleep to catch any breathing changes, dropping oxygen levels or heart rate issues.

If it is determined that you are suffering from sleep apnea, you will most likely be given a prescription for a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine and will be encouraged to make lifestyle changes to reduce the severity of your symptoms.

Lowering the Severity of Snoring

• Sleep on your side and avoid your back.
  
• Limit alcohol use before bed.
• Lose weight.
• Change your pillow often.

Make your sleep health a priority! If you are concerned with the frequency of your snoring, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Clemson.