Is Your Partner Abhorring Your Snoring? Here’s How to Address the Problem

Obstructive sleep apnea is an unpleasant health condition that can cause a patient to wake up more than a hundred times in a single night, which can lead to grogginess, irritability, difficulty paying attention, overeating, and possibly even falling asleep while driving. Snoring is a common symptom of this condition, and it can make it quite difficult for your partner to get adequate shuteye. Here’s a brief guide to how oral appliance therapy can help you and your loved ones enjoy better nights of rest.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition characterized by the weight of the neck causing the airway to constrict when a patient sleeps, resulting in the patient waking suddenly and short of breath. This issue is often caused by the pressure the tissues in the neck exert on the windpipe increasing as the muscles relax during slumber, and it may be exacerbated by issues like smoking, obesity, and lack of exercise.

Untreated sleep apnea can significantly diminish a person’s quality of life and can eventually lead to serious overall health problems due to sleep deprivation. This condition can also make a sleeping patient more likely to snore due to the relaxing throat tissues vibrating during respiration.

How Can My Sleep Dentist Help?

A clear airway is essential to healthy sleep, and the mouth serves as a primary point of entry for the oxygen the body needs. In many cases, sleeping problems can be addressed by a sleep dentist who treats oral health issues that can make it difficult for people to rest properly.

For example, snoring caused by sleep apnea can often be treated by an oral appliance that helps keep the mouth in a better position for optimal airflow. These customized appliances are designed to snugly fit over the teeth while holding the mouth open slightly and moving the jaw a little bit forward, which can help reduce the weight the neck exerts on the windpipe during sleep.

How Else Can I Reduce My Snoring?

Snoring may also be partially reduced with a simple home remedy such as:

• Sleeping in a recliner or propping your head up with pillows or cushions, which can help redirect the weight of the neck away from the airway during slumber
• Regular cardiovascular exercise, which can improve the efficiency of your heart, lungs, and airway.
• Smart eating decisions such as fasting for several hours before bed.

Snoring can be quite a nuisance to everyone within earshot. Consulting with your sleep dentist can help you find the best way to improve the quality of your rest.

About the Author

Dr. Kinnari Jariwala earned her dental degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry and has completed many hours of continuing education with a special focus on sleep and TMJ medicine. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. Her office in Albuquerque offers sleep apnea, TMJ, and snoring treatments. To learn more about how you can address your snoring, contact her office online or dial (505) 433-2107.