A good night’s sleep helps people feel healthy and energized, and sleep disturbances from ear, nose and throat issues could prevent that. Persistent snoring, sleep apnea and other ENT issues can impact sleep quality, leaving you feeling exhausted during the day.
Understanding how the following ENT-related problems affect rest can help you get the deep, restorative sleep you need.
Snoring
Snoring happens when airflow is partially blocked during sleep, causing the throat tissues to vibrate. While occasional snoring might be harmless, chronic snoring can be disruptive for both the snorer and their partner.
For those living an active lifestyle, whether you’re hiking at Barton Creek Greenbelt or paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake, waking up feeling unrested can make daily activities more challenging.
Ways to Reduce Snoring
If snoring is affecting your sleep, consider these solutions:
- Change your sleeping position: Sleeping on your back can worsen snoring. Try sleeping on your side instead.
- Use a humidifier: Dry air can irritate nasal passages and contribute to snoring.
- Avoid alcohol before bed: Alcohol relaxes the throat muscles, increasing airway blockage.
- Try nasal strips: These can help open nasal passages for better airflow.
- See a doctor: If snoring persists, an ENT specialist can assess if a structural issue, such as a deviated septum, is the cause.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing frequently stops and starts throughout the night. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), happens when throat muscles relax too much during sleep and block the airway. Symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring followed by pauses in breathing
- Gasping or choking while asleep
- Waking up feeling tired, even after a full night’s sleep
- Excessive daytime drowsiness and difficulty concentrating
- Increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, if left untreated
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
Treatment and management options for sleep apnea include:
- CPAP therapy: A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine keeps the airway open while you sleep.
- Oral appliances: Custom-fitted devices reposition the jaw to prevent airway obstruction.
- Lifestyle adjustments: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help improve symptoms.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove blockages like enlarged tonsils.
Importance of Seeking Treatment
Untreated sleep problems don’t just lead to grogginess, they can have effects on overall health. Chronic sleep disturbances can:
- Weaken the immune system
- Increase stress and irritability
- Negatively impacts mental health
For those dealing with sleep disruptions due to ENT conditions, professional treatment can make all the difference. Identifying and addressing the root cause of your sleep issues can lead to deeper, more restorative rest and improved overall health.
If you’re struggling with snoring, sleep apnea or other ENT-related sleep concerns, schedule a consultation with Red River ENT Associates today and take the first step toward better sleep.
