If you or your partner snores, you may have heard various myths about snoring. Snoring can be a bigger problem than you expect. Snoring can affect the snorer even more than the sleep partner who must listen to it.
That’s why we’re debunking 5 common snoring myths. Properly addressing your snoring can improve your health and quality of life.
Myth #1 – Snoring Mouthpieces Don’t Help
Did you know that snoring mouthpieces help stop snoring in most people? While they may look too good to be true, a device to stop snoring can be quite effective. Let’s talk more about the two main types of snoring mouthpieces.
Tongue Retaining Device (TRD)
One of the most common causes of snoring is the tongue relaxing into the back of the throat. A TRD works by using suction to hold your tongue between your teeth when you sleep.
The biggest drawback to a TRD is that you must be able to breathe through your nose. Some people also experience a sore tongue.
Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)
A MAD uses a different method for keeping your tongue out of your airway. This mouthpiece holds your jaw forward, and your tongue comes with it. A MAD can often be molded to fit your mouth and teeth for the best comfort.
The nice thing about a MAD is that you can breathe through your mouth. Unfortunately, you can’t use a MAD if you wear dentures. Also, some people find a MAD to be uncomfortable as it may cause jaw pain.
Myth #2 – Insomnia Means You Have Trouble Falling Asleep
While having trouble falling asleep at night is one common type of insomnia, it isn’t the only type. Insomnia can also refer to these other types of sleeping difficulties:
- Frequently waking up
- Waking up too early and being unable to fall back to sleep
- Waking up not feeling rested after getting plenty of sleep
Your doctor can recommend different solutions for insomnia. Insomnia can cause a chronic lack of sleep, which can negatively impact your health. It can also cause daytime fatigue that can cause car accidents, among other problems.
Myth #3 – Older People Need Less Sleep
While many older people wake up very early, it isn’t because they need less sleep than others. Older adults need the same 7 to 9 hours of sleep as younger adults. There are two likely causes for older people waking so early:
- They may be dealing with insomnia. They should speak to a doctor about ways to stay asleep longer.
- Their sleep schedule may have shifted so that they fall asleep earlier in the evening. They are still getting the amount of sleep they need. It’s just on a different schedule than other people.
Another common age-related sleeping myth is that teenagers who fall asleep in class are lazy.
Teenagers need more sleep than adults. They also tend to have a natural sleep cycle that is later than adults. As a result, when teens need to wake up early for school, they often don’t get enough sleep.
Myth #4 – Snoring Is Harmless
OK, snoring may not seem harmless somebody who has to sleep through their partner’s snoring. However, snoring can result in poor sleep quality and may be a symptom of a serious sleep disorder. A few health conditions associated with poor sleep quality include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Depression
- Obesity
Snoring may be seriously affecting your health. That’s why you should look into effective snoring remedies. Sleeping better is the easiest way to be healthier.
Myth #5 – Feeling Drowsy Means You Need More Sleep
Are you tired when you wake up every morning, even if you get the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night? You may have a sleeping disorder. If that’s the case, getting more hours of sleep won’t actually help.
Sleeping disorders that can cause daytime drowsiness include sleep apnea and narcolepsy. Both of these conditions can cause serious health issues. If you feel sleepy every day, it’s time to talk to a doctor.
What Should I Do If I Snore?
As you can see, snoring can be a big problem that can affect your overall health. You may want to try a snoring mouthpiece first. If that works, you might be able to skip the doctor.
If your sleeping partner notices that you stop breathing when you sleep, you should see a doctor. That’s a sign of severe sleep apnea. You should also see a doctor if you’re tired every day, a snoring mouthpiece doesn’t help, or you have insomnia.
