I Snore — Does that Mean I Need a Sleep Study?
June 19, 2022Snoring is a problem that afflicts millions of people. For some, it is an occasional annoyance. For others, it indicates a serious sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea. If you snore, how can you tell which category you fit into? Do you need to undergo sleep testing in Melbourne? Let’s discuss a few factors to consider when you are deciding whether to schedule a sleep study.
How Often Do You Snore?
Snoring can have numerous causes. Sometimes, the cause is a temporary problem that gets resolved relatively quickly. For example, you might snore if you have a cocktail too close to bedtime or if you suffer from seasonal allergies and forget to take your sinus medication. If it seems that your snoring is correlated with a temporary issue that you can take steps to resolve on your own, sleep testing might not be necessary.
How Bad Is the Snoring?
Occasional light snoring is normal for most people. However, frequent heavy snoring is a different story; it often indicates sleep apnea. Ask your partner about your snoring. They can let you know whether it is light or heavy, as well as how often you do it. If requested, they may even make a recording for you so you can hear the snoring for yourself. Based on the information you gather, you may be able to determine whether your snoring is a cause for concern.
Do You Have Other Signs of Sleep Apnea?
Loud, frequent snoring is just one possible sign of sleep apnea. If it is accompanied by other symptoms, it is likely that you have a disorder that requires professional treatment, and getting a sleep test can be the first step on your path to better health.
Here are some signs and symptoms of sleep apnea to watch out for:
- Observed pauses in breathing throughout the night
- Waking up exhausted despite spending 7 – 8 hours asleep
- Frequently waking up with a headache or sore throat
- Slowed reaction times when driving
- Mood swings, anxiety, and/or depression
When in Doubt, Err on the Side of Caution
If you are not sure whether you should schedule a sleep study, talk with a qualified medical professional about your concerns. Before you visit, you may want to take a week or two to make daily notes about the quality of your sleep. Your sleep journal, along with expert feedback from a doctor, can help you determine whether you should undergo a sleep test.
Snoring can be harmless, but in some cases, it points to a serious disorder. The information in this blog post can help you determine whether a sleep test could get you on the road to higher-quality rest.
Meet the Sleep Apnea Expert
Dr. Kenneth Mogell is an experienced dentist who devotes much of his time to helping patients conquer sleep apnea via oral appliance therapy. He and our team can also assist you in making arrangements for a sleep test if necessary. To learn more about him and the services he offers, contact our Melbourne office at 321-313-5350.