Snoring Therapy Bethesda MD
As a doctor for snoring therapy in Bethesda, MD at the Pain & Arthritis Relief Center knows, snoring can quickly turn into a problem for both an individual and their partner. Snoring happens when the air passing through the airway is blocked partially. At the top of the airway, there is tissue that may vibrate, causing the snoring sound. For most people, they will snore here and there occasionally while sleeping, but it won’t develop into an issue.
But for others, snoring becomes a problem that may also be a sign of a more serious condition. Snoring in some cases may be more than a simple inconvenience. Sometimes snoring can be a symptom of a larger medical issue that needs to be addressed. If left untreated, it can cause further health issues down the road. That is when a person may be motivated to visit our clinic, in hopes they can find relief from their snoring habits. If you think you may have a sleep disorder, it is worth making a visit to a sleep disorder specialist. Here are examples of questions prospective patients may ask us during a snoring consultation:
Is there anything I can do differently when sleeping?
If someone is snoring, chances are they are laying on their back. By comparison, those who sleep on their sides or belly tend to snore less overall and may be due to the head position in correlation to body position. Those who snore on their back tend to have their heads tilted slightly backwards. If you have a hard time sleeping on your side, consider utilzing pillows in a strategic way for added comfort.
Common Symptoms of Sleep Disorders
When you have a sleep disorder, you may not notice it right away. It may take you some time to notice patterns in your sleep that may warrant attention. However, knowing what signs to look out for can help you find out if you may be suffering from a possible sleep disorder such as sleep apnea, which is one of the most common types of sleep disorders. Symptoms of sleep apnea include the following:
- Tiredness after a full night of sleep
- Irritability or mood swings
- Headaches
- Loud snoring
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Lapses in breathing while asleep
What You Should Know About Sleep Apnea
A common type of sleep disorder, sleep apnea afflicts over 20 million people in the country. Sleep apnea is a condition where a person experiences intermittent pauses in breathing while asleep. The condition can be serious because a person may not be able to receive enough air while asleep and frequently experience disruptive episodes that affect their sleep quality. A doctor can explore different methods of treatment that can provide sleep apnea relief. If you think you may suffer from sleep apnea, talk to a doctor and discuss possible options for you.
What Are Common Forms of Sleep Apnea?
A common form of sleep apnea that people suffer from is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when a person’s throat muscles are relaxed. When a person with sleep apnea is asleep, their relaxed muscles can obstruct their airway, preventing them from breathing correctly and achieving proper rest throughout the night. Other forms of sleep apnea include central sleep apnea and complex sleep apnea syndrome, which are far less common.
Are There Other Options Besides Nasal Strips Or Mouthpieces?
There are products you can purchase to help open the nostrils and airways. For example, nasal strips are intended to improve airflow during sleep, reducing the occurrence of snoring. These are small stripes that flex over the nose and through tautness, the nasal passages open more fully.
Additionally, anti-snoring mouthpieces are available on the market to ease snoring. They often take more time to get used to, since they are larger and must sit on the mouth while sleeping. These mouthpieces rest similarly to mouthguards and are designed to adjust the lower jaw gently forward, where the realignment reduces snoring. Other options aside from nasal strips, mouthpieces, and making adjustments to your sleeping positions that a doctor for MD snoring therapy in Bethesda may suggest include:
- Quitting smoking
- No alcohol before bed
- Lifestyle modifications
- A healthy body weight
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Palatal implants
- Somnoplasty
Who Is At Risk of Sleep Disorders?
Several factors can put certain people at risk of suffering from sleep apnea and other sleep issues, as a trusted doctor who is knowledgeable about treatments for sleep disorders can explain, such as a specialist from the Pain Arthritis Relief Center. Male and older individuals are more prone to sleep apnea, as well as those with a family history of the condition. Below are some of the most common risk factors:
- Smoking
- Congestion
- Smaller or narrow throat
- Excessive drinking
- Excessive weight
- Underlying health condition
Get Treated Early
It is important to treat sleep apnea and other disorders early to prevent other health complications. A doctor can use a variety of treatment methods to help patients who suffer from sleep disorders. For example, chiropractic care is effective for central sleep apnea, as spinal manipulation helps address problems caused by the brain’s mixed signals. To determine the causes of your sleep disorder, a doctor will use various snoring therapy techniques that are appropriate for your condition.
Call the Pain & Arthritis Center Today
We understand that snoring can become a problem that causes stress and discomfort. We hope that if you are struggling with a snoring issue that you consider contacting our clinic for help. Reach out to the Pain & Arthritis Relief Center about snoring therapy in Bethesda, Maryland today.
