Snoring Keeping You (and Your Partner) Up at Night? Here’s What You Can Do About It

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We all know someone who snores—or maybe you’re the one shaking the walls at night. While the occasional snore might seem harmless (and a bit annoying), chronic snoring could be a red flag for deeper health issues, like obstructive sleep apnea. But before you start losing sleep over it, let’s dive into what causes snoring and the solutions—both non-surgical and surgical—that can help you breathe easier and sleep better.

Spoiler: You don’t have to suffer through sleepless nights or wear earplugs forever.

What Actually Causes Snoring?

Snoring happens when air has trouble moving freely through your nose and throat while you sleep. This restricted airflow causes the surrounding tissues to vibrate, producing that all-too-familiar snoring sound. Common culprits include:

  • Nasal congestion from allergies or colds

  • Extra weight, especially around the neck

  • Enlarged tonsils or adenoids

  • Sleeping on your back

  • Drinking alcohol before bed

  • Using sedatives

While some lifestyle tweaks can help, persistent snoring may need a closer look—especially if it’s impacting your sleep quality or health.

Snoring or Sleep Apnea—What’s the Difference?

Not all snoring is just “snoring.” Loud, frequent snoring could be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea—a condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. If your partner has noticed you gasping for air, or you wake up exhausted even after a full night’s sleep, it’s time to take things seriously.

Untreated sleep apnea increases your risk of:

  • High blood pressure

  • Heart disease

  • Stroke

  • Type 2 diabetes

The first step? A sleep study and a consultation with an ENT specialist to get to the bottom of what’s going on.

Non-Surgical Snoring Solutions (Yes, They Work!)

If your snoring isn’t too severe, there are several lifestyle changes and tools that can make a big difference.

Lifestyle Changes

  • Drop a few pounds: Even a small amount of weight loss can relieve pressure on your airways.

  • Sleep on your side: This prevents the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing into your throat.

  • Cut back on alcohol & sedatives: They relax throat muscles, making snoring more likely.

Treat Nasal Blockages

  • Nasal strips and saline sprays can improve airflow.

  • If allergies are to blame, antihistamines might be your new best friend.

Try Oral Appliances or CPAP

  • Mouthpieces can reposition your jaw and tongue.

  • CPAP machines (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) are great for sleep apnea—but not everyone finds them comfy.

Surgical & Minimally Invasive Treatments for Serious Snoring

If the usual tricks don’t work, don’t worry—there are advanced options that an ENT specialist can offer:

Coblation Therapy

Uses radiofrequency energy to shrink soft tissue in the throat. It’s minimally invasive and recovery is quick.

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

Removes excess tissue from your throat to open up the airway. Typically for more serious cases.

Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy

If enlarged tonsils or adenoids are causing blockages (common in kids and some adults), this could be the answer.

Nasal Surgery

Correcting structural issues like a deviated septum can drastically improve airflow and reduce snoring.

Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation

This futuristic-sounding treatment uses an implant to stimulate tongue muscles and keep your airway open while you sleep. Great for people with moderate to severe sleep apnea.

So… What’s the Best Way to Treat Your Snoring?

It depends! Here’s what doctors look at when creating a treatment plan:

  • How severe the snoring is

  • Whether you have sleep apnea

  • What’s causing the blockage (nose, throat, tongue, etc.)

  • How well you respond to non-invasive treatments

  • How much it’s affecting your daily life

Your best bet? See an ENT specialist for a customized plan that works for your body and your lifestyle.

Ready to Stop Snoring and Start Sleeping Better?

If snoring is more than just a noisy nuisance in your life, it might be time to get it checked out. At Pacific View ENT in Camarillo, Dr. Armin Alavi and his team specialize in personalized snoring treatments and sleep apnea care—from lifestyle recommendations and sleep studies to cutting-edge surgical solutions.

Don’t settle for restless nights and tired days. Contact Pacific View ENT or call (805) 335-1690 to book your consultation.

Better sleep is possible—and it starts with taking that first step.

This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you’re experiencing chronic snoring or signs of sleep apnea, consult with an ENT specialist for a full evaluation.