Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Snoring and Daytime Fatigue

Sleeping is something everyone needs to do, and this act accounts for approximately one-third of our lifetimes. Research has only gained a better understanding of it in the past 25 years. Sleep problems affect millions of people, whether due to insufficient sleep, inadequate rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, or waking up in the middle of the night on a regular basis.

Two common sleep problems people deal with are snoring and daytime fatigue. While these issues may occur occasionally, having chronic problems can indicate underlying issues that affect your long-term health. To find out what these problems could be and what treatments can help, let’s find out more about these symptoms and their possible impact on your health.

Residents of Lake Oswego, Oregon, experiencing symptoms of sleep problems like snoring and daytime fatigue can find help with the medical staff at Lake Grove ENT.

What causes daytime fatigue and snoring?

Also known as excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), daytime fatigue occurs when, even after getting sufficient sleep, you still feel groggy, exhausted, or otherwise lacking energy while going through your daily routine. This can be especially hazardous when operating machinery, driving, or working with other dangerous materials. Many sleep disorders can make you sleepy during the day, including insomnia, narcolepsy, hypersomnia, restless leg syndrome, and problems that affect your circadian rhythms. 

Snoring is the common term for the vibrating of tissue in your upper airway (including your tongue), which leads to resistance as air attempts to travel through. The unpleasant noises other people have to hear at night as you try to rest result from several different issues, such as smoking, drinking alcohol before you go to sleep, taking medications like depressants and muscle relaxers, nasal congestion, and sleeping on your back.

What common cause affects the risk of both?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects how well you breathe while sleeping, and it can lead to snoring, daytime fatigue, and several other symptoms, such as pauses in breathing while asleep, waking up multiple times during the night, and night sweats. During the day, it can also lead to headaches, sexual dysfunction, changes in your mood, shortness of breath, and concentration problems. 

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of this disorder, and left untreated, it can cause many complications to your overall health, including arrhythmias, hypertension, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death.

How can we help?

To help with sleep apnea and reduce both sets of symptoms, we offer several solutions to improve your health.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

This machine is a cumbersome but effective method of dealing with sleep apnea, as it pushes air pressure through the breathing passageways while you sleep to keep them open.

Oral appliances

This device is placed in your mouth to reposition your jaw and keep your airways clear while you sleep.

Radiofrequency ablation

To remove excess tissue, such as tonsils or adenoids, that block the airways, we use this laser treatment to help you rest better.

Lifestyle change recommendations

Practical solutions for reducing your issues when trying to sleep and waking up refreshed include nasal breathing strips, losing weight, elevating your head, and reducing how much alcohol you drink before bed.

Daytime fatigue and snoring are not inherently dangerous on their own if they occur occasionally, but when you experience either consistently, make an appointment with the medical staff at Lake Grove ENT.