As the seasons change here in Colorado, many of us brace for the sniffling and sneezing that come with allergies. But have you ever noticed that your snoring gets worse right along with your congestion? You're not imagining it. At Sleep Center of Colorado, we frequently see patients whose snoring is directly linked to allergic reactions, and we want you to know that peaceful, quiet sleep is within reach.
How Allergies and Congestion Contribute to Loud Snoring
Nasal Passage Inflammation
When you encounter an allergen like pollen or dust, your body's immune response can cause the delicate tissues inside your nasal passages to swell. This inflammation physically narrows the airway, making it much harder for air to pass through freely. As air is forced through this smaller opening, it causes the surrounding tissues to vibrate, creating the sound we all know as snoring.
The Switch to Mouth Breathing
A blocked nose naturally forces you to breathe through your mouth while you sleep. Unfortunately, mouth breathing is a primary driver of snoring. It allows the soft palate and uvula to relax and fall back into the airway, creating a significant obstruction. This not only causes loud snoring but also leads to dry mouth and a sore throat in the morning.
Postnasal Drip Irritation
Allergies often come with excess mucus, which can result in postnasal drip—that annoying sensation of mucus trickling down the back of your throat. This constant drip can irritate the throat tissues, causing further inflammation and swelling that contribute to airway blockage and worsen snoring.
Disrupted Sleep Cycles
The continuous effort to breathe through a congested airway is taxing on your body. This struggle can disrupt your natural sleep cycles, preventing you from reaching the deeper, more restorative stages of sleep. This fatigue can, in turn, cause your throat muscles to become overly relaxed, making your snoring even louder.
Your Path to a Quiet Night
Living with allergy-induced snoring can be frustrating for both you and your partner. But you don't have to simply endure it. At Sleep Center of Colorado, we can help identify the root cause of your snoring and create a personalized treatment plan, which may include a custom-fit oral appliance to keep your airway open. Contact us today to breathe easier and sleep more soundly.