TREATMENTS & OPTIONS FOR SNORING IN NYC
Many people who suffer from snoring are unaware that they snore – unless their bedmate tells them. However, some snorers may wake up at night choking and gasping for breath. That could indicate an underlying issue like sleep apnea, which can be life threatening if not treated properly.
What are the side effects and symptoms of snoring?
If you’re a light snorer, you may not experience any symptoms or side effects at all – other than keeping your significant other awake. In the case of loud and chronic snoring, however, there are several symptoms and signs that could indicate that you need to consult with your doctor. These include:
- Excessive daytime fatigue and sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Recent weight gain
- Lack of focus and concentration
- Pauses in breathing during sleep
- Decreased libido
- Increased blood pressure
How will a doctor test and treat my snoring?
Your doctor will usually take your medical history, perform a physical exam, and then determine if you require a sleep test to assess if your snoring may be due to sleep apnea or another underlying health issue. At NYC SleepWell, we offer our patients a convenient overnight home sleep test. Depending on the results of the sleep test, you’ll be presented with a series of options to treat your snoring. The options may include:
- Lifestyle modification such as weight loss or sleep position training. For those diagnosed with mild sleep apnea, these options commonly do help.
- For those who are diagnosed with moderate to severe sleep apnea, a custom oral appliance may be recommended. Similar to a dental night guard to prevent grinding, a custom oral appliance holds the jaw slightly forward, which keeps the upper airway open, reduces snoring, and helps a person breathe freely throughout the night.
- A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure appliance) is another treatment option that is commonly recommended for moderate to severe sleep apnea. However, many find the CPAP’s mask to be uncomfortable and difficult to sleep with – and others find the device too constrictive and cumbersome, especially when traveling. As a result, many today are opting for the oral appliance alternative.
- In some cases, a surgical option may be recommended by your physician to treat your snoring and sleep apnea. There are several proven surgical options we offer at NYC SleepWell, including septoplasty, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), genioglossus advancement, laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty, frenectomy, tori reduction, tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, turbinoplasty and hyoid suspension.
Snoring is something to treat seriously – and seriously treat!
If you suffer from chronic snoring and any of the symptoms and side effects mentioned above, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a sleep specialist at your earliest convenience. At NYC SleepWell, our Board Certified doctors and sleep specialists have years of experience diagnosing and treating snoring, sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. Our goal, plain and simple, is to help you sleep well and be healthy!