No one wants to be told they snore. It can feel embarrassing and frustrating to suffer from something you can’t control! It can also be hard on a relationship if it begins to affect sleep quality.

But occasional snoring is quite common among Americans. About half of us all report snoring every once in a while, and that is typically nothing to worry about.

Snoring becomes an issue when it is chronic and is accompanied by other symptoms and daily struggles that affect your waking hours. We can help get you started on your sleep health journey here at AFC Urgent Care Bronx Webster Ave.

Why Does Snoring Happen?

Snoring is the effect of tissue vibration in your nose or throat. Those who snore often have more of this “floppy” tissue and so are more likely to snore when air has trouble flowing through your throat. Other factors can contribute to your snoring frequency, like being overweight, smoking, drinking alcohol before bed and having poor sleep posture.

While the majority of mild snoring cases aren’t a cause for concern, sometimes snoring can also be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition that affects your breathing at night. It can stop, disrupt or create sporadic breathing patterns all night long. Episodes of sleep apnea can last anywhere from 10 seconds to two minutes. If you snore and experience any of the below symptoms as well, it is best to get checked out by a medical professional.

Symptoms Associated With Sleep Apnea

• Excessive sleepiness all day long
• Memory loss or attention issues
• Snoring loud enough to wake others in your home
• Gasping or choking yourself awake all night

Do I Need a Sleep Study?

A sleep study can help get to the bottom of your snoring issues. During a sleep study, your body is monitored while you sleep to watch your breathing, oxygen levels and any heart rate changes.

All of this information is then compiled to decide whether you have sleep apnea or another sleep disorder. If you do, you may be required to get a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine or encouraged to adjust your lifestyle in order to reduce your snoring frequency and improve your sleep quality.

Reducing Your Snoring Frequency

• Prop pillows to sleep on your side.
  
• Limit alcohol use before bed.
• Lose excess weight.
• Change your pillows and sheets often.

Make your sleep health a priority! If you are concerned with the frequency of your snoring, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Bronx Webster Ave.