Snoring

Snoring is more than an annoyance. It can signify underlying health concerns, such as obstructive sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder where the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. At Denver Sleep Apnea in Denver, Colorado, triple board-certified sleep apnea specialist Steven Wilk, DDS, provides targeted treatments for snoring that uncover its underlying cause for lasting relief. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.

What is snoring?

Snoring is a sound produced during sleep when the flow of air through the mouth and nose becomes partially blocked. It occurs when the soft tissues in the throat vibrate. Snoring can range from soft, occasional sounds to loud and disruptive noises.

While many people snore occasionally, repeated loud snoring can disrupt your quality of sleep and potentially indicate an underlying issue like sleep apnea. It may lead to fragmented sleep, daytime fatigue, and, in some cases, strained relationships with sleep partners or roommates.

With more than 40 years of experience, triple board-certified sleep apnea specialist Dr. Wilk can effectively diagnose and treat the underlying causes of snoring. His personalized approach ensures you receive comprehensive relief from snoring.

How do I know if I’m snoring?

While you may not be aware of your snoring, ways to determine if you snore include:

• Ask a partner or roommate to monitor you during sleep
• Use a snoring app
• Use a sleep app or fitness watch to monitor movement
• Consult with a health care provider

People who snore frequently often experience symptoms, such as daytime fatigue, dry mouth, sore throat, and morning headaches which can indicate sleep problems.

What causes snoring?

Many factors can cause snoring, including:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

OSA, when the tissues in the back of the throat collapse during sleep, is one of the most common causes of loud snoring. The obstructed airflow results in vibrations of the relaxed throat tissues, producing the characteristic snoring sound.

Excess weight

Excess weight can build the fatty tissues in the throat. This additional tissue narrows the airway, making it more prone to vibration during sleep and amplifying the snoring sound.

Sleep position

Sleeping on your back can lead to the tongue and soft palate collapsing to the back of your throat, obstructing your airway and promoting snoring.

Sleep deprivation

Sleep deprivation worsens snoring by relaxing the throat muscles excessively. When fatigued, these muscles are more prone to collapse, increasing the likelihood and intensity of snoring during sleep.

What are the most effective treatments for snoring?

Denver Sleep Apnea offers several effective treatments for snoring, including:

• Mandibular advancement device (MAD) 
• Tongue-retaining device (TRD)
• Botox®
• Lifestyle adjustments
• Medication

Dr. Wilk’s sleep apnea expertise ensures you benefit from comprehensive treatment that targets the underlying cause of snoring. Call Denver Sleep Apnea today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.