Is It Normal to Snore Every Night?

Most people snore at least once in a while. It can happen when they are extra-tired, when they consume alcohol too close to bedtime, or when their sinuses are congestion due to a cold or allergies. That type of snoring usually doesn’t indicate a deeper health problem. But what if you snore every night? It could mean that you have sleep apnea in Vero Beach. Let’s discuss what causes snoring, the dangers of nightly snoring, and how treatment can help.

What Causes Snoring?

Snoring is the sound that results when air moves past tissues in the upper airway, causing those tissues to vibrate. Snoring can have many causes, including some that are temporary. Other causes, however, are longer-term and can lead to chronic nighttime noise.

Some potential causes of frequent snoring include:

• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
• An improper resting position of the tongue or jaw
• Excess weight around the neck
• A loss of muscle tone in the upper airway

The Dangers of Frequent Snoring

While frequent snoring might seem like nothing more than an annoyance, it could actually contribute to serious health problems.

For example, if you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you are likely to snore. However, OSA involves more than just snoring. The same tissues that cause nighttime vibrations can also block the airway altogether, leading to pauses in breathing. Such pauses can prevent you from spending an adequate amount of time in the deeper stages of sleep, causing symptoms like daytime exhaustion and reduced productivity at work. OSA is also associated with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other grievous conditions.

Even for those who do not have OSA or another sleep disorder, frequent snoring may be a problem. Research indicates a correlation between this issue and a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease. The connection may be due to the inflammation that results when snoring causes vibrations throughout the body.

What You Can Do

If you snore frequently, do not ignore the problem. It would be wise to arrange for sleep testing in Vero Beach. If you are diagnosed with OSA, something as simple as an oral sleep device from a dentist may be able to help you find long-term relief.

Even if you do not have a sleep disorder, professional treatment may still be beneficial. Many of the same devices that treat OSA can also put a stop to snoring and allow patients to breathe peacefully throughout the night.

Occasional snoring is normal — but nightly snoring is a different story. Testing and treatment may be just what you need to enjoy better sleep and fewer health risks.

Meet the Sleep Apnea Expert

Dr. Kenneth Mogell has more than a decade of experience in treating OSA and snoring. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, he is always expanding his knowledge of OSA and how to address it. Whether you have been diagnosed with a sleep disorder or are simply curious about testing, he and our team would be pleased to assist you. Contact our Vero Beach office at 772-882-6800.