Snoring
Serving Salt Lake City, Park City and surrounding Utah communities, including Evanston, Wyoming
Almost half of adults snore on a regular basis. Snoring occurs when air flow is blocked as it goes past relaxed tissues in your throat causing them to vibrate.
As you doze off and progress from a lighter sleep to a deep sleep, the muscles in the roof of your mouth (soft palate), tongue and throat relax. The tissues in your throat can relax enough that they vibrate and may partially obstruct your airway. The more narrowed your airway, the more forceful the airflow becomes. Tissue vibration increases, and your snoring grows louder. Snoring may be an occasional problem, or it may happen every night.
Many people think the most serious problem with snoring is for the person that is trying to sleep next to the snorer. But snoring, especially loud and frequent snoring may indicate a much more serious health condition such as sleep apnea.
Heavy snorers are also more likely to suffer a heart attack while asleep than non-snorers. Blood pressure changes caused by snoring may lead to blockage of the coronary arteries and increase the risk of heart disease.
Snoring can usually be controlled with an oral appliance once sleep apnea has been ruled out.
Besides these treatments, lifestyle changes may help to reduce snoring, as well. Alcohol consumption, especially before bedtime, is a large contributor to snoring. It is best not to consume any alcohol three hours prior to bedtime. Smoking, not getting enough sleep, and a poor diet all contribute to snoring. For some people, simply avoiding sleeping on their back will help prevent snoring.
If you are in the Salt Lake City or Park City, Utah area and have questions about resolving your snoring, please contact Dr. Kent M. Johnson at Advanced Dentistry to schedule your consultation.
