Could your snoring be a sign of a more serious underlying issue?

From a night of imbibing to a sinus infection, there are many reasons why we may suddenly find ourselves snoring; however, when the infection clears up or we choose not to reach for that second glass of wine, we often find that snoring goes away. But what if it doesn’t? Loud, persistent snoring, night after night, can be a sign of a sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. Here’s what you should understand about snoring and sleep apnea, as well as signs that it may be time to see our Columbia, SC, sleep doctor, Dr. Richard Bogan.

The Majority of People with Sleep Apnea Snore

While not everyone who snores will have sleep apnea, most people who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea snore. So, how can you tell if your snoring could be a sign of something more? You could be dealing with sleep apnea if you experience,

  • Frequent morning headaches
  • Extreme daytime fatigue
  • Increased irritability and mood swings
  • Poor concentration and memory loss
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Decreased sex drive
  • High blood pressure

Know the Risk Factors

It’s also important to recognize the risk factors that could increase your chances of dealing with sleep apnea. Some of those risk factors include,

  • Being obese or overweight
  • Using sedatives or alcohol, particularly at night
  • Family history of sleep apnea
  • Older age
  • Have narrow airways
  • Smoking
  • Being male
  • Hypothyroidism

If you have any of these risk factors and you deal with regular snoring fits, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation with our Columbia, SC, sleep team to find out if you could be dealing with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Being overweight or obese is a serious risk factor, as Harvard Medical School states that around two-thirds of people with OSA are also overweight or obese.

Treating Sleep Apnea

If your symptoms are minor, there are certain lifestyle changes that you can start making today that can improve the quality of your sleep. If you have mild OSA then lifestyle changes may be all you need. Some of these changes include,

  • Avoiding sedatives or alcohol around bedtime
  • Losing excess weight
  • Quitting smoking
  • Changing your sleep position (sleeping on your side rather than your back)
  • Using a humidifier in your bedroom

If you are dealing with moderate to severe forms of sleep apnea, we can provide you with CPAP therapy, which can help keep airways open while you sleep to improve the quality of your sleep, manage your symptoms and help you maintain better health.

If you deal with nights of loud snoring followed by days of fatigue and brain fog, you could be dealing with sleep apnea. Let the sleep specialists at Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC, help you get a better night’s sleep. Call us at (803) 251-3093 to schedule an evaluation.