Snoring: How it Might Be Hurting You (and How to Stop!)

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Sleep apnea and snoring Hinsdale

A good night’s sleep is so important. Whether you’re growing muscle, saving memories, or preventing diseases like Alzheimer’s, some of your body’s most important processes happen while you’re sleeping. However, if your breathing is obstructed in the night, this could impact the quality of your sleep and thus the overall effectiveness of these restorative functions.

Snoring is one of the most common symptoms exhibited by those with obstructed breathing in their sleep. It’s caused by the sound of soft tissue (such as the uvula, tongue, and soft palate) vibrating in the back of the throat as you breathe. If you’re a snorer, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Almost half of adults snore, and the likelihood of becoming a snorer increases as we age.

The Dangers of Obstructed Sleep

Snoring, while common, can often impact the quality of your sleep. It may cause you to wake up multiple times throughout the night, leading to headaches, fatigue, and problems concentrating. However, it is even more critical to identify when snoring is indicative of a larger issue: sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in your breathing while you sleep (which can last anywhere from a few seconds to minutes) and is often accompanied by loud and persistent snoring. Sometimes these pauses can occur over 30 times in an hour! This chronic condition is one of the leading causes of excessive daytime sleepiness, but there are a number of other risks that come with apneic sleep if left untreated:

  • Heart failure, Heart Attack, and Arrhythmias
  • Stroke
  • Obesity
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Depression
  • Memory issues
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Worsened ADHD
  • Danger of work-related or driving accidents

If you think your snoring is causing you to lose sleep, or may even be indicative of a larger sleep issue, it is important to get it taken care of right away.

How to Stop Snoring for Good

One of the best ways to combat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea is through the use of a snoring appliance like Snore Guard®. Snore Guard® has been clinically proven to reduce snoring in up to 99% of those who have used it. Meaning you (and your partner) can finally get a good night’s sleep!

So how does it work? This custom-fitted mouth guard is worn while you sleep, and keeps your jaw and tongue from falling back and restricting your airway. The process of getting your Snore Guard® is fairly simple:

  • First, you’ll need to visit Hinsdale Dental to determine if Snore Guard® is a good option for you. If so, we will order the appliance (which will take about 14 days to arrive).
  • You will then return to the office, where we will professionally fit the device to your teeth by applying heat to the unique inner lining of the retainer. It should have a snug fit over your upper teeth and push your lower jaw forward comfortably.
  • Your dentist will schedule a follow-up visit with you to ensure that the device is working properly and fitting comfortably.

It’s that easy! These appliances are quiet, comfortable, and easy to wear—making it simple for you to enjoy a restorative, snore-free night’s sleep!

If you want to learn more about how you can enjoy a quality night’s sleep without snoring, all Hinsdale Dental today to schedule your consultation.

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