Snoring Treatment Doctor in El Paso, TX

Yes, it is normal to snore. Snoring is an incredibly common phenomenon that affects people from all walks of life. In fact, snoring is so commonplace that almost half of the world’s population (57% of males and 40% of females) snores on a regular basis, and about 90 million Americans are aware that they snore. Almost everyone snores on occasion, which can range from a short snort to a long and sonorous growl.

Snoring is caused by the vibrations of the soft tissue in the back of the throat that blocks the flow of air when we exhale. This can lead to loud and disruptive snoring. It is sometimes a sign of sleep apnea, which is a serious condition that can cause a variety of health issues, but there are many different factors associated with snoring. Some include:

– Physical Anatomy — The physical structure of a person’s throat, tongue and airways can influence the likelihood of snoring. For example, if someone has an enlarged tongue, it could disrupt airflow during sleep, causing them to snore; the same is true for people with a deviated septum.

– Use of Muscle Relaxants — Drinking alcohol or taking medications that relax the muscles before bed can have a significant effect on snoring, as the more relaxed the muscles are, the more violently they vibrate.

– Nasal Congestion — Most people breathe through their nose at night, so when the sinuses are congested, it can lead to snoring.

– Sleep Position — The position in which you sleep can also restrict or promote airflow at night. A supine position (on your back, face upward) is most likely to cause snoring as the weight of body tissues pressing down on the lungs can compress airflow. Side sleeping has been proven to be the most effective in reducing snoring in some patients.

Many people who snore can minimize or even eliminate their snoring by making one or more simple lifestyle adjustments, such as:

– Sleeping on your side
– Wearing a nasal strip or dilator
– Using an anti-snoring mouthpiece
– Reducing body weight
– Trying mouth exercises
– Quitting smoking
– Avoiding alcohol before bed

Snoring tends to occur in episodes lasting an average of 22 minutes each (17 minutes for women and 24 minutes for men). For Americans, the average number of snoring episodes a night is 2.7 times (2.8 times a night for men, and 2.3 times a night for women). Therefore, the average person snores for about an hour each night.

If you or your partner snores, the sleep specialists at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders can help you find the proper treatment so you can get a good night’s rest. Call us today to book an appointment with our snoring treatment doctor, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 6901 Helen of Troy, Suite D-2, El Paso, TX 79911. We serve patients from El Paso TX, Fort Bliss TX, Canutillo TX, Vinton TX and Northeast El Paso TX. We look forward to serving you!