The Problem With Snoring
There are few things worse than tossing and turning because your sleeping partner sounds like a freight train. In addition to relationship problems, it can also affect the snorer’s quality of sleep.
Noisy nights can cause couples to lose sleep and feel less energized to be intimate with each other. As a result, this can ultimately impact your overall marital satisfaction.
Risk Factors Associated with Snoring
Snoring occurs when the tissues surrounding your throat are relaxed, which narrows your airway and causes the tissues to vibrate as you breathe. There are various risk factors that may contribute to snoring, including:
- Gender – Men are more likely to snore
- Age – Older patients are more affected
- Obesity
- Narrowed airway
- Family history
- Alcohol or sedatives
- Nasal problems such as a deviated septum
- Pregnancy
In addition to those risk factors, snoring may be a result of your sleep position, as sleeping on your back may worsen snoring, or sleep deprivation.
When You Should Consult With Your Doctor
While it’s normal to snore once in a while, if you snore three nights a week or more or it’s affecting your relationship, you’ll want to schedule a consultation at our Wake Forest location. During your consultation, you’ll discuss your symptoms with Dr. Winkelmann and he’ll conduct an examination to see if you would benefit from a sleep study.
A sleep study will help determine if your snoring is due to a more serious health condition, such as sleep apnea, or if it’s a standalone disorder. This will help ensure the proper treatment course is followed.
Our Snoring Solutions
Based on the results from your sleep study and examination, Dr. Winkelmann will recommend the most effective oral appliance to meet your needs. Different types of oral appliances include:
- Tongue retainer – Helps to keep your tongue in a neutral position and prevent it from blocking your airway.
- Mandibular appliance – Gently shifts your jaw forward to prevent the soft tissues surrounding the throat from collapsing.
- Hybrid appliance – Addresses both issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is oral appliance therapy covered by insurance?
Most medical insurance companies cover a portion or all of oral appliance therapy, but some may not. We recommend contacting your insurance provider prior to your appointment to get an understanding of your coverage.
If you’d like, a knowledgeable member of our staff can contact them for you to ensure you receive your maximum coverage and benefits. Together, we’ll help you find the most effective solution that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Can snoring give you a sore throat?
Yes! Waking up with a sore throat throughout the night is one of the most common symptoms of snoring. It’s also likely that you may experience a dry mouth and oftentimes, a headache. But snoring can also be a sign of a more serious condition called sleep apnea.
This sleep disorder can lead to further health complications if left untreated. This includes heart attack, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more. Fortunately, a sleep study can properly diagnose your condition so we can determine the proper treatment course.
How much does an oral appliance cost?
The cost for an appliance varies from patient to patient and depends on certain factors such as your medical history, treatment goals, type of sleep disorder, and oral device used. For an accurate cost, we recommend contacting our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Winkelmann by calling (984) 237-1013.
During the consultation, he’ll evaluate your sleep study and create a customized treatment plan, which will include the cost for the oral appliance.
Are there any natural remedies for snoring?
There are also certain lifestyle changes that can help manage your snoring. Dr. Winkelmann recommends losing weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco use altogether. When coupled with professional treatment, these natural remedies can make a significant impact on the quality of your sleep.
Dr. Winkelmann Offers Snoring Solutions
If you or your sleeping partner are tired of losing sleep due to noisy nights, contact our Wake Forest office by calling (984) 237-1013. In addition to certain lifestyle modifications, Dr. Winkelmann will prescribe a customized oral appliance to be worn while you sleep, so you and your partner can get the rest you need to conquer the day ahead.