How is snoring treated?

I have snored all my life, but lately it has become so bad that I wake myself up from snoring. I can never seem to get a restful night's sleep because I am always waking up throughout the night. I have tried changing sleeping positions and those nasal strips but nothing seems to work. Is this a sleep disorder? What other treatments are there for snoring?

Doctors Answers (2)

J. Douglas Hudson, MD, DABSM
Answered on: 1/13/2014

Snoring is treated in many ways. First, make certain that it is not related to sleeping on your back, related to sedating medications, especially alcohol, or being overweight. Then, check your family history as it often runs in families. This is due to the anatomy of the airway which is narrowed and easily compromised when relaxed during sleep. This further narrowing of the airway creates a noise when you inhale and/or exhale. This noise is snoring. It is like breathing through a straw all night. It taxes the heart and is often associated with obstructive sleep apnea. Nasal strips are generally not helpful as the problem is rarely associated to nasal issues. Yes, snoring is a sleep disorder and an overnight sleep study is in order.

Joseph Lee, DDS, FICOI
Answered on: 1/3/2014 6

I would recommend talking to your physician about having a sleep study done. After that, if you are diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, you can either use a CPAP, a machine to help you breathe better, or possibly an oral sleep appliance.