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It is estimated that up to 50% of adults have some snoring disorder. Snoring is such a common problem that people tend to underrate its seriousness. Disrupted sleep on an on-going basis can affect the physical well being of both the snorer and partner alike.
What causes snoring?
When you’re asleep, the muscles and soft tissues in your throat and mouth automatically relax. The lower jaw and tongue drop back, helping block and decrease the airway opening. This results in an increase in the velocity of air flowing through your airway when you breathe. The increased velocity causes soft tissues in your mouth and throat to vibrate. That familiar snoring sound is actually the sound of those tissues vibrating.
In its most severe form, the collapse of the upper airway is so complete that the lungs may not receive oxygen for up to 30 seconds. This is called “Obstructive Sleep Apnea”. In response to this deprivation of oxygen, your body triggers an internal alarm and you partially wake. This is usually accompanied by loud gasps for air that can last 3 seconds or more, until you fall asleep and the cycle starts all over again.
Snoring is also affected by diet, health, lifestyle, age, weight, environment and other factors.
What is a snore guard?
A snore guard is a mouth appliance custom fitted to your individual needs. The snore guard advances the lower jaw forward tending to lift the tongue and epiglottis away from the back of the throat relieving some of the constriction caused by the relaxation of the muscles during sleep.
Dr. Monroe can help diagnose this condition or refer you to a specialist. If Dr. Monroe thinks you have sleep apnea she may refer you to a physician or sleep specialist. For a proper diagnosis you may have to undergo an overnight sleep study. With a proper diagnosis Dr. Monroe and your doctor can work closely together to implement a therapy to help you.
