Nearly everyone snores sometimes. Usually, it passes quickly without disrupting you or your partner's sleep. However, when snoring happens more frequently, it can be associated with other problems. Snoring can interrupt the quality of you or your partner's sleep; this can lead to irritability and fatigue, as well as exacerbation of other health issues. Snoring can also be a sign of more serious health problems. If snoring is a regular feature in your bedroom, it can be very beneficial to consult with one of our Houston doctors.

What Causes Snoring?

Snoring occurs when your breath cannot pass freely through your nose, throat and mouth while you’re sleeping. When passages are blocked by tissue, the tissue vibrates, creating the characteristic snoring sound. There are a number of factors that make snoring more likely. These include:

 
• Being overweight or obese. When you carry excess weight, some of it accumulates around your neck or throat. This, in turn, adds pressure to these areas. For some people, losing weight is enough to curb snoring issues.
 
• Age. As people hit middle age and older, their throats become more narrow. You can also lose muscle tone in the area. Together, these contribute to snoring.
 
• Sinus or nasal issues. When your nasal passages are blocked, it makes inhaling and exhaling more difficult. People with chronic sinusitis, for instance, often snore.
 
• Sleeping positions. Lying on your back to sleep can block airways. Switching to another position can reduce snoring.

What Are the Best Snoring Solutions?

Sometimes, getting rid of snoring can be as simple as changing positions or ensuring you are well-hydrated before bed. For other people, however, greater interventions are needed to address snoring. Some people have success with over the counter anti-snoring aids. These take many forms. Some are in the form of tape that can keep nasal passages clear. Other snoring remedies are shaped more like athletic mouth guards and open up airways. Medications may help people who want to stop snoring. Decongestants can open up nasal passages and reduce vibration. If your snoring is allergy-related, antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays can help, as well. Discuss these options with your doctor to see which are right for you. Depending on the time of year, a humidifier may be helpful. During Texas summers, constant use of the air conditioning can make air more dry. When air is dry, the delicate tissues in your sinuses and throat can dry out, too. Keeping air more moist can help prevent that.Someone who has nasal passages that are too narrow may benefit from a procedure like balloon sinuplasty. This procedure opens up sinus passages, allowing air to travel more freely. There is no one best way to stop snoring. Different solutions will have different levels of success for each individual.Is snoring getting in the way of a good night's sleep? You and your partner don't have to suffer! We can help you identify the root cause of your issue and get a sounder sleep every night. Get in touch today for an appointment.