Snoring is common. Nearly half of adults do it occasionally, and about a quarter do it regularly, according to the American Medical Association. While it can interfere with your or your partner’s sleep, health, and daily life, it isn’t necessarily a sign of a serious medical condition. There are many effective snoring solutions. At AZ Sleep & TMJ Solutions, we help patients identify the cause of their snoring and treat it with personalized, evidence-based care.

What Causes Snoring?

We’re not saying you snore. But if you do, have you ever felt something in your throat? That is the tissues in your airway vibrating. When you sleep, these tissues relax and shake, especially if your airway is narrowed.

Your airway can be restricted for several reasons. 

  • Nasal congestion from allergies or the common cold can limit airflow. 
  • If you are a back sleeper, the tongue and soft tissues can collapse backward. 
  • Consuming alcohol before bedtime relaxes throat muscles even more. 
  • Excess weight around your neck can constrict your airway.

Because of these factors, the body can respond well to targeted treatments for snoring.

Consequences of Chronic Snoring

Snoring causes more than just nighttime noise and a dry, sore throat in the morning. Poor sleep quality leads to daytime fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Over time, it can strain a relationship, especially if your partner is constantly woken by snoring.

These effects are not limited to people with sleep apnea. Long-term interrupted sleep can harm your mood, productivity, and overall health. If snoring is persistent, worsening, or affecting your daily life, it’s worth visiting Dr. Vizcarra to explore snoring solutions.

Solutions to Help Prevent Snoring

Lifestyle Adjustments

You can make simple adjustments to reduce snoring. Sleeping on your side instead of your back can help keep your airway open. Skipping that glass of wine or other alcoholic drinks close to bedtime can prevent throat muscle relaxation. Also, maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the pressure on your airway. Keeping sleep routines consistent also helps promote deeper, more stable sleep.

At-Home and Non-Invasive Options

To improve airflow through the nose, some people use nasal strips or saline sprays. Elevating your head with a pillow can reduce airway collapse. Also, using a humidifier or air purifier can improve bedroom air quality and ease nasal irritation.

Professional Snoring Treatments

According to the team at AZ Sleep & TMJ Solutions, regular snoring does not always indicate you have sleep apnea. Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Vizcarra and her team can help. Her clinic offers a full range of personalized snoring treatment options designed to help you and your partner enjoy better sleep. 

When to See a Sleep Specialist

If snoring occurs most nights or affects your health or relationships, it does not mean you have sleep apnea. Regardless of why you snore, it is treatable.

Dr. Sara Vizcarra, DDS, DABDSM, DABCP, DABCDSM, can find the snoring solution that is right for you. She founded AZ Sleep and TMJ Solutions to treat sleep apnea, teeth grinding and clenching, gum recession, jaw and ear pain, and headaches, and has been named a Top Dentist by PHOENIX magazine each year since 2018. AZ Sleep and TMJ Solutions has over 150 five-star reviews on Google. Call (480) 515-6209 to schedule your appointment.