snoring consultation dr. frank Angus

Snoring

Helping You Get Sound Sleep In Richmond, VA

Snoring is a condition that affects 45% of adults occasionally, and 25% of adults regularly, as outlined by Johns Hopkins Medicine. It occurs when the muscles in the throat become soft and relaxed, leading to grumbling, snorting or grunting noises. This condition can prevent you and your partner from getting the high-quality sleep you deserve, and it can be a sign of an underlying issue such as sleep apnea. At Virginia Sleep and TMJ Therapy in Richmond, VA, we specialize in personalized, non-invasive treatment for snoring so you can not only improve your sleep quality, but your overall well-being.

What Is
Snoring?

Snoring is a noise that happens when a person is asleep. While it can be softer and sound like grumbling, it is often harsher and sounds more like a snorting or grunting noise. It happens when the muscles of the throat become soft and relaxed, which narrows the airway. While it is common and does not always indicate a health problem, it does mean that a person’s breathing is being blocked in some way. It is possible that a snorer has an underlying medical condition that is causing their noisy sleep.

Snoring Risk Factors
& Diagnosis

If you suspect you snore or you exhibit certain risk factors, such as obesity, a deviated septum and more, your provider at Virginia Sleep & TMJ Therapy will conduct a physical examination and review your medical history. From there, your provider may refer you to a sleep specialist for a sleep study, also known as a polysomnography. A polysomnography can help to determine whether your snoring is caused by an underlying condition, such as sleep apnea.

Snoring
Treatment

At Virginia Sleep & TMJ Therapy, we specialize in non-invasive, customized oral appliances for snoring. These devices usually resemble a retainer or a mouthguard. It fits over your teeth, keeps your jaw in place and prevents your tongue from blocking your airway. Opening up your airway will allow you to breathe easier at night and will help keep you from snoring. In addition to these customized appliances, we also recommend certain lifestyle changes to help improve sleep quality.