Snoring

What is snoring?

Snoring refers to sounds that occur when air passes through your nose and mouth during sleep. Breathing in and out causes the soft tissues at the back of your throat to vibrate, resulting in various noises. 

Almost everyone snores occasionally, but if you snore and find yourself with other disruptive symptoms that interfere with your sleep, you might have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea increases your risk of other health problems, so it’s vital to seek treatment.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

If you snore regularly, you might have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a disorder that causes you to stop breathing during sleep. Other symptoms of OSA include:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Waking up gasping for air
• Restless sleep
• Choking or coughing at night
• High blood pressure
• Chest pain at night

If you experience any of these problems, and they last for a week or longer, make an appointment at Generations Family Practice Wellness Cent. Your primary care physician can order a sleep study to determine if you have obstructive sleep apnea. A sleep study is an overnight test that monitors your heart rate, respiratory rate, and brain waves during sleep.

If you have OSA, Generations Family Practice Wellness Center offers free consultations for NightLase. They can coordinate care with your primary care doctor, ensuring lasting results.

How is snoring treated?

At Generations Family Practice Wellness Center, the team treats snoring with NightLase, an advanced treatment that uses the Fotona laser. 

During NightLase treatment, your provider points a handheld device at the back of your throat. The device emits different wavelengths of laser light. The light energy causes the loose tissues in your throat to tighten. After treatment, your airways stay open, even during sleep.

Is NightLase snoring treatment painful?

NightLase snoring treatment is safe and usually well-tolerated. You might experience a warm, tingling sensation at the back of your throat, but it should subside quickly. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, let your provider know. They can easily adjust the settings on the Fotona laser.

Does treatment for snoring require downtime?

NightLase snoring treatment doesn’t require any downtime or recovery period. As soon as you’re finished, you can return to work and other activities right away. If your throat feels sore or scratchy afterward, take anti-inflammatory medication and drink plenty of water. 

How many NightLase snoring treatments do I need?

The number of NightLase snoring treatments you need depends on several factors, including your age, medical history, and the severity of your symptoms. Usually, the team at Generations Family Practice Wellness Center recommends a series of three or four treatments spaced several weeks apart.

To learn more about the treatment options for snoring and sleep apnea, make an appointment at Generations Family Practice Wellness Center by calling the office or booking online today.