Snoring

Snoring is a common side effect of sleep. It occurs when air flows past the relaxed tissues in your nose and throat, resulting in harsh noises. At NY Metro Sleep in the Bronx, New York, double-board-certified sleep medicine specialist Rajendra M. Rampersaud, MD, and his team provide various treatments for snoring. After an exam, they can determine the underlying cause and help you sleep better. Call the New York City-based office to request a snoring consultation today, or book online.

What is snoring?

Snoring is the sound that occurs when air passes through the soft tissues in your nose and throat during sleep. It’s prevalent. In fact, 40% of adults snore occasionally, and 25% of adults snore regularly. If your partner periodically complains about you snoring, seek treatment. Sometimes, snoring indicates a more serious underlying health problem.

What are the symptoms of snoring?

Symptoms of snoring include:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Morning headaches
• Restless sleep
• Gasping or choking at night
• Chest pain at night
• Loud noises that disrupt your partner’s sleep

If you snore, you might also wake up with a sore throat or a dry mouth.

When should I see a sleep specialist about snoring?

Make an appointment with the NY Metro Sleep team if you snore loudly or regularly wake up during sleep. That’s especially true if you make snorting or gasping sounds throughout the night. These signs indicate sleep apnea.

Who is at risk of snoring?

Almost everyone snores occasionally, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Being overweight
• Having nasal problems
• Drinking alcohol
• Having a narrow airway

You’re also more likely to snore if you have family members with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

How is snoring diagnosed?

Your NY Metro Sleep provider reviews your health charts and asks about your symptoms and lifestyle. They might also ask your partner about when and how often you snore to determine the severity of the problem.

Next, your provider completes a physical exam. They also order diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, to look at your airways and the soft tissues in your nose and throat.

The team orders a sleep study if an exam doesn’t provide enough insight. A sleep study monitors your brain waves, blood oxygen level, heart rate, and eye and leg movements during sleep. It can determine the cause of your snoring and help guide treatment.

How is snoring treated?

The NY Metro Sleep team typically treats snoring with healthy lifestyle changes. For example, losing weight, avoiding alcohol before bed, and sleeping on your side can make a significant difference.

If your snoring continues, the team might recommend a custom oral appliance, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, or upper airway surgery to remove excess tissue at the back of your throat.

Call NY Metro Sleep to explore the treatment options for snoring today or book online.