8 Potential Tests and Treatments for Snoring

Snoring not only disrupts your sleep but also affects those around you. According to Johns Hopkins, about 25% of adults experience chronic snoring. While occasional snoring may not be a cause for concern, persistent or loud snoring could indicate an underlying condition such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

At BASS Medical Group, we specialize in diagnosing and treating problematic snoring to help you breathe easier and sleep better.

Why Do We Snore?

Snoring occurs when airflow is obstructed in the upper respiratory tract, causing vibrations in the throat. This commonly happens when throat muscles relax too much during sleep. Several factors contribute to chronic snoring, including:

• Anatomy of the Mouth & Throat – A thicker soft palate or narrow airway (common in overweight individuals) can restrict airflow and lead to snoring.
• Alcohol Consumption – Drinking alcohol, especially before bed, relaxes throat muscles excessively, increasing airway obstruction.
• Nasal Congestion – Chronic stuffy nose or sinus issues can force you to breathe through your mouth, leading to snoring.
• Poor Sleep Quality – Sleep deprivation can cause throat muscles to relax more than usual, worsening snoring.
• Sleeping Position – Sleeping on your back makes snoring more likely as gravity pulls soft tissues downward, restricting airflow.

8 Effective Snoring Treatments

If snoring is affecting your sleep quality, consider these potential treatments:

1. Weight Loss

Excess weight, particularly around the neck, narrows the airway, making snoring more likely. Losing weight can significantly reduce snoring for overweight individuals.

2. Limit Alcohol Before Bed

Since alcohol relaxes throat muscles, avoiding alcohol in the evening can help reduce snoring. Try limiting consumption to daytime hours or at least 4–5 hours before bed.

3. Manage Nasal Congestion

• Use nasal strips to keep nostrils open.
• Try a saline rinse or decongestant spray for chronic congestion.
• Consider treating underlying allergies or sinus issues.

4. Improve Sleep Hygiene

• Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night.
• Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool for better rest.
• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule.

5. Change Your Sleeping Position

Sleeping on your side prevents airway obstruction. Elevating the head of your bed by a few inches can also help reduce snoring.

6. CPAP Therapy for Sleep Apnea

If snoring is linked to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), your doctor may recommend a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine. This device delivers air pressure through a mask to keep your airway open while you sleep.

7. Sleep Studies & Medical Testing

If snoring is severe, a doctor may recommend a sleep study (polysomnography) to assess for sleep apnea or other sleep disorders.

8. Surgical Options

For severe snoring cases that do not improve with other treatments, surgical procedures may be considered:

• Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA) – Moves the upper and lower jaw forward to widen the airway.
• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) – A procedure that removes excess throat tissue to increase airflow.
• Radiofrequency Ablation – Uses controlled heat to shrink soft tissue in the throat, reducing snoring vibrations.

Which Doctor Should You See for Snoring?

Depending on the cause of your snoring, different specialists may be involved in diagnosis and treatment:

• Primary Care Provider (PCP) – The first step in assessing snoring issues and referring you to a specialist if needed.
• Otolaryngologist (ENT Specialist) – Focuses on ear, nose, and throat conditions, including nasal congestion, sinus issues, and airway blockages.
• Sleep Medicine Specialist – Conducts sleep studies and treats obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
• Pulmonologist – Specializes in respiratory conditions affecting breathing during sleep.
• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon – Performs jaw-related procedures (such as MMA surgery) to improve airflow.

Get Expert Snoring Treatment at BASS Medical Group

If snoring is affecting your quality of life, our specialists at BASS Medical Group can help. Our ENT and sleep medicine experts provide comprehensive snoring treatments, from lifestyle modifications to advanced surgical options.

Schedule an appointment today to explore treatment options and improve your sleep quality.