In an earlier blog post, we briefly touched on the difference between snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. Although snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea, sleep apnea as a whole is more complex than occasional snoring. We estimate that between one-third and one-half of adult Americans snore at some time, some more loudly than others. Of those, only a small percentage actually have OSA. If you require help to stop snoring in Astoria, NY, Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz will provide much-needed treatment and guidance.
Chronic Snoring Is Easily Treated
In the absence of an underlying medical condition, snoring alone usually doesn’t pose a threat on its own. In fact, chronic snoring rarely requires intervention, and usually responds well to changes in lifestyle behaviors, such as:
- Patients who lose even ten pounds often see noticeable improvements.
- You may be less likely to snore if you do not consume heavy meals, alcohol, or caffeine products within one to two hours of your bedtime.
- Discontinuing sedative use. Sedatives cause the muscles in your throat to relax, obstructing your airway and making you more likely to snore.
- Adopting a new sleeping position proves helpful for some, as snoring occurs most frequently while sleeping on your back.
In cases where these treatments do not produce the desired results, our patients become frustrated and anxious. At this point, many wonder whether something more serious is behind their chronic snoring.
Could Sleep Apnea Be to Blame for Your Snoring?
Compared to chronic snoring, obstructive sleep apnea has more severe implications for your physical and emotional health. Consider the symptoms of OSA that do not occur with snoring alone:
- Interference with mental function, including problems with memory, focus, and judgment
- High blood pressure and chest pain at night
- Violent choking or gasping sounds during sleep
- Feeling more drowsy than usual during the daytime
- Waking up more than once to use the bathroom
- Decreased libido
If you experience symptoms of OSA, you should seek treatment as quickly as possible. Obstructive sleep apnea poses serious risks to your health, increasing your risk of stroke, heart attacks, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Dr. Leibowitz will work with you to determine whether your chronic snoring could be related to OSA.
About Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz: Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz, a native of Queens, prides himself on his ability to effectively treat patients in a friendly, open manner. To schedule an appointment, contact us at 718-728-8320. We serve patients living in Astoria, Queens, NYC, and from across New Jersey and upstate New York. You can also follow us on Facebook for the latest news and updates from our Astoria office.
