Why Do We Snore?

suffer from chronic snoringDo you suffer from chronic snoring? If so, this could actually be a warning sign of a serious disorder, one that could cause major complications unless treated. We can help you understand why you snore, as well as discuss possible treatment options. After all, uninterrupted sleep is crucial for both you and your significant other.

Try Our Snoring and Sleep Apnea Quiz

  1. True or False: Snoring is caused by partial breathing obstruction.
  2. True or False: Sleep apnea can lead to serious consequences.
  3. True or False: Your daily habits can impact your snoring.
  4. True or False: We can help treat patients who snore or suffer from sleep apnea.

Answer Key

  1. True. We snore because the soft tissues in the back of the mouth and throat collapse and partially block airflow. When we breathe, the air is forced through and vibrates the soft tissues, causing the loud sound we associate with snoring.
  2. True. Patients who snore frequently may suffer from sleep apnea, which occurs when airflow is completely blocked by collapsed soft tissues. The brain is then forced to wake the patient due to lack of oxygen, causing them to be woken up hundreds of times in the night, even if they have no memory of these episodes. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to exhaustion, moodiness, depression, and in extreme cases, an increased risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack.
  3. True. Consuming alcohol or caffeine before bed, sleeping on your back, and or using tobacco can increase the risk of the disorder.
  4. True. We use diagnostic imaging to accurately diagnose the issue. Then, we can suggest treatment, such as the use of an oral appliance to keep airways open during sleep.

If you think you have Sleep Apnea, or to learn more, schedule a consultation online to visit Dr. Brent Engelberg, or call our office today at (847) 230-9703.