One of the most obvious symptoms of sleep apnea is snoring. While snoring itself can stem from a variety of factors, it can also be a warning sign that you may need a sleep test to determine if you have sleep apnea. Common reasons for snoring include:
- Sleeping Position
- Allergies and Congestion
- Smoking and Alcohol Consumption
- Age and Weight
Signs That It’s More Than Just Snoring
Snoring by itself doesn’t necessarily mean that sleep apnea is the cause. That being said, in combination with other symptoms, it can serve as an important indicator that you should seek treatment. Treating sleep apnea is vital and will help reduce the risk of a number of serious health concerns down the road.
Signs that it’s more than just snoring include:
- Daytime fatigue
- Morning headaches
- Pauses in breathing during sleep
- Waking up with a dry, sore throat
Taking a Sleep Test
To find out if your snoring is caused by obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep test is necessary. Sleep tests, also known as sleep studies, can either be taken at a sleep clinic or with a take-home test. They only take a single night in most cases and provide physicians with the information they need to accurately diagnose your sleeping disorder.
Treating Snoring and Sleep Apnea
If you do have sleep apnea, there are a wide variety of treatment options to choose from. Oftentimes, the first treatment that patients try is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). This treatment option uses a machine connected to a mask that constantly sends air through the nose and mouth of the patient while they sleep.
Many patients have trouble using CPAP consistently, so they don’t reap the many benefits of treatment. This is why Dr. Ralhan provides CPAP alternatives for his patients throughout Oakville and Burlington.
We understand how snoring and sleep apnea can take a toll on both you and your partner’s rest. Our mission is to give you the deep, restorative sleep you and your partner deserve. We use comfortable and effective oral appliances to treat our patient at both our Oakville and Burlington offices.
Call Today 905-257-3368
Start Your Journey to a Better Night’s Rest
When you’re ready to take the first step to a better night’s rest, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ralhan. We will work with you to find the treatment option that is tailored to meet your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes snoring?
Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is blocked or obstructed. Several things can interfere with airflow, such as:
- Blocked nasal airways
- Poor muscle tone in the throat or tongue
- Bulky throat tissue
- Sleep position
- Sleep deprivation
- Alcohol and drug use
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ralhan, call our office in Ontario, Canada at (905)-257-3368.
What can I do to help mild to occasional snoring?
For anyone who snores, a consultation with Dr. Ralhan can be beneficial for learning how to manage your sleep-disordered breathing problems. In the meantime, the following things can help you manage your snoring:
- Sleep on your side, not your back
- Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages at least four hours before bedtime
- Avoid consuming heavy meals and snacks at least three hours before bedtime
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle
- Weight loss (as few as 5 to 10 pounds can make a difference)
- Establish a regular sleep routine