Snoring is a common occurrence for millions of people while they sleep. Many people might not even realize how often they snore, or that they do so at all. For most, snoring is harmless; however, it can potentially be disruptive for anyone who’s trying to sleep in the same room as someone who snores, depending on how loud or frequent it is. Additionally, snoring can sometimes be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
If you snore, the first thing you should do is mention it to your doctor to rule out any potentially related medical problems. In certain cases, it can be linked to sleep apnea, which causes you to repeatedly stop and start breathing while you sleep. This can cause you to feel as though you didn’t sleep enough, even if you got a full night’s sleep. People who have sleep apnea also generally snore more loudly than people who do not. Other factors that can contribute to snoring include:
- Obesity
- Nasal congestion
- Alcohol and certain medications
- A deviated septum
- Pregnancy
- Age
- Being assigned male at birth
- A family history of snoring
If your doctor has ruled out the possibility of a serious underlying medical condition, there are several steps you can take to make your snoring quieter, less frequent, or both. Some of these approaches include:
- Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight
- Decreasing your consumption of alcoholic beverages
- Changing your sleeping position
If any medical issues are contributing to your snoring, talk to your doctor to determine whether these solutions may help you:
- Cold and allergy medications
- Nasal strips
- Mouth guards designed to keep your jaw in its proper position while sleeping
If you’re concerned that your snoring may be a sign of a medical problem, you can receive treatment from the ear, nose, and throat specialists at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7110.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.