Anti-snoring

Why do we snore?

 Snoring is quite simply a vibration. While you’re asleep your air passages relax and narrow, which leads to a change in air pressure and causes the soft tissue in your neck and head to vibrate. Your lower jaw and tongue can also fall back during sleep and restrict your airways. When airflow to the body is restricted, your lungs begin to draw air in at a higher velocity to compensate. Increasing airflow in this way, to feed the body an adequate amount of oxygen, causes this tissue vibration that we hear as snoring. 

 Do I snore? 

Snoring can affect anyone of any age, and about one in four people in the UK snore. It is most common in adults aged between 40-60 years old. You may not be aware that you snore until someone tells you. Even if you wake up in the night, as is common, it may be tricky to associate the sleep disturbance with snoring, especially as it will stop as soon as you’re awake. If you have a partner, it usually falls to them to alert you to a snoring problem – it will be their sleep that you are also disturbing.

Snoring is a chronic condition and can not only indicate health problems but can affect your day-to-day life and cause further issues. Snoring, even if you are unaware of it, can lead to long-term sleep disturbance. This can make you tired and irritable during the day, it can affect your concentration levels, create mood swings and lead to an overall lack of energy. Bruxism (or teeth grinding) is also a sign that you may be suffering from snoring or sleep apnoea. When air flow is compromised, your body may respond to this by initiating grinding or clenching, which pushes the jaw forward and encourages you to take in oxygen again. If you snore you are also more likely to suffer from a dry throat and mouth, and headaches. These are all signs to watch out for. 

At McGrath Dental we can provide a trusted anti-snoring solution and relief for anyone suffering from mild to moderate sleep apnoea.