When to Question a Snore

Your wife or husband tell you they need to go to bed before you or they will never sleep.  You know if you are going on a trip you can not share a room with anyone else  because they will complain.  Do you know when a snore is something you need help for or just annoying?

The fact is that no matter what a snore is not normal.  If you snore there is something in your anatomy that says you need to have it evaluated.  It may be just that you have a large uvula that vibrates when you breath at night.  It could also mean you have sleep apnea, a condition where you stop breathing or breathing is partially obstructed and your oxygen levels in your blood drop. 

If you have plain snoring this can be treated with several medical treatments including medications, surgery, or an oral appliance.  You might also benefit from positional therapy.  This is where you avoid sleeping on your back.  You can use a special pillow or other device.  My personal favorite is to take a t-shirt sew or glue a pocket down the center of the back of the shirt and place 3 tennis balls into the pocket then close it.  Every time the person rolls onto their back they become uncomfortable and roll to their side.

If you are not sure if you might have sleep apnea take the Sleep Quiz.  If you have a score of 9 or greater then it is time to speak with your physician.  Sleep apnea is important to treat because sleep apnea can contribute to many health issues including depression, high blood pressure and diabetes. 

If your child is a snorer you should take the time to talk to his or her pediatrician.  Sleep disorders can very easily be disguised as irritability,  short attention span and can lead to other health problems.  It can be caused by enlarged tonsils and adenoids.  It can also be caused by a small airway.  The current research is discussion new medication treatments to help children. 

No matter who in the family is snoring it is something that is not normal.  It is something that should be evaluated by a professional.  If they can sleep quieter then everyone will get a better night sleep.