Around half of everyone on Earth will snore at least once over their life. That’s three and a half billion people keeping their partners, kids, or even pets awake through the wee hours of the night. If you’re one of them – and statistically speaking, you probably are – you want a permanent solution to your snoring problem. You’ve come to the right place. We break down some common causes of snoring. More importantly, we help you learn how to alleviate (or even prevent) snoring once and for all!
Common Causes of Snoring Problems
There isn’t a single cause of snoring. Wouldn’t that be nice? Unfortunately, snoring problems are complex and can be caused by several different factors. These include:
Nasal Issues
Congestion and other sinus problems aren’t any fun. This is especially true if they cause you to snore. Common nasal causes of snoring can range from a deviated septum to inflamed tonsils. Even the common cold can lead to congestion and temporary snoring.
The Position You Sleep In
Are you a side, back, or stomach sleeper? The answer may be the cause of your snoring problem. Snoring happens when you enter REM sleep, and your muscles relax. Your soft palate, uvula (the hanging tissue in your throat), tongue, and throat will sometimes vibrate and block the passage of air into your lungs. This is most likely to occur when you’re sleeping on your back. You can thank gravity for that.
Genetic Factors
Bad news, genetics could also be blamed for your snoring. The way your mouth, throat, and sinuses are formed is due in large part to your genetics. Having a softer or broader than normal palate increases your chances of snoring. The same is true for weight. More weight often means thicker tissue in your throat and decreased muscle tone. Finally, your genes may predispose you to obstructive sleep apnea, which is a major cause of snoring problems.
Medication and Alcohol Use
Another potential cause of snoring problems is alcohol. Alcohol relaxes your muscles, which makes them more likely to vibrate and cause snoring. Certain medications mimic this effect, including benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, etc.).
There are many other causes of snoring, including:
- Aging
- Smoking
- Sleep deprivation
- Gender
How to Prevent Snoring
We’ve looked at some of the reasons people snore. Let’s turn to the most important part – how to prevent snoring! Snoring solutions are as varied as the initial causes. You can opt for a CPAP machine, but those are bulky and intrusive. We think there’s a better way. In fact, we think there are several better ways!
MIPS
Also known as Minimally Invasive Palatal Stiffening, MIPS is a quick and easy answer to the age-old question of how to prevent snoring. Using a diode laser, Dr. Mandel stiffens your palate. Think of it like working out for your mouth and throat muscles. The whole treatment can be done in as little as three minutes and leads to one of the more effective snoring solutions.
Minimally Invasive Nasal Procedures
Much like MIPS, minimally invasive nasal procedures are a unique way to get you snoring relief fast. They’re often done in conjunction with MIPS and help increase your nasal airflow. This is done through removing any sinus obstructions and opening up your nasal cavity. Minimally invasive nasal procedures are one of the simplest ways to prevent snoring.
Look For Snoring Solutions? Call South Florida Sinus and Allergy
Now that you know how to alleviate or prevent snoring, the only question is how long do you want to wait to start feeling better? Contact the team at South Florida Sinus and Allergy today at (954) 883-9449.
Dr. Lee Mandel, our Director, is a world-renowned Otolaryngologic expert. He’s developed propriety and highly effective treatments that have helped thousands of patients. Want the best snoring solutions in South Florida? Call us now!