Snoring is caused by the vibration of the soft palate and uvula, occurring when the airway becomes obstructed during sleep. Several things can obstruct the airway and cause you to snore, including allergies drinking before bed, being overweight and having large tonsils or a deviated septum.

If you snore now and then, you probably have nothing to worry about. But chronic snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, a more serious sleep disorder. People with sleep apnea stop breathing in their sleep – sometimes up to 100 hundred times an hour – for one minute or longer.

Sleep apnea leads to poor sleep quality. Every time breathing pauses, carbon dioxide levels in the bloodstream begin to build up. The brain notices this and sends signals for the person to wake up so they can take breaths of fresh air and restore oxygen levels. Those afflicted may not even be aware that they are waking up many times during the night. This prevents the brain from achieving REM sleep, so that the person begins to feel sleep-deprived all the time.

Lack of sleep has cascading effects that hamper every system in the body. Everything from digestion to mental concentration and memory retention is impaired. Left untreated, sleep apnea can increase your chances of serious health conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease. At a minimum, you may feel groggy in the morning or unable to concentrate during the day.

Not all individuals who snore are affected by sleep apnea. However, snoring can still be a bothersome problem on its own. Nightlase remains a potential solution to help reduce the severity of snoring. So, even if sleep apnea is not the cause of the snoring, Nightlase therapy can be a beneficial option for those seeking relief from their snoring troubles.

1. Mandibular Advancement Device: This is a type of oral appliance that keeps your airway clear while sleeping. It moves the tongue and jaw forward to prevent the tongue from impairing your breathing. Over-the-counter options are available, as well as devices custom-crafted to fit your mouth. It should be noted that MADs are not suitable for those who wear dentures or have serious dental issues.

2. Vivos Therapy: This is a method for non-surgically reshaping the airway to stop sleep apnea from occurring. Much like Invisalign gradually shifts the position of teeth, Vivos involves a system of oral appliances that gradually broaden your airway. Though the entire process usually takes 18 to 24 months, patients tend to notice improvements in their breathing during the first few weeks. Best of all, once your airway has been reshaped, your sleep apnea is gone forever. This treatment is used for those with obstructive sleep apnea whose breathing problems stem from correctable anatomical defects.