Have loved ones told you that you snore---loudly and constantly? Snoring is more than a nuisance noise. When it becomes chronic, it impacts interpersonal relationships and overall health. At Pacific Sleep Program in Portland and Astoria, OR, Dr. Gerald Rich, Dr. Gregory Clark, Dr. Jennifer Kim, and Dr. Radhika Breaden provide sleep medicine solutions for chronic snoring and other sleep disorders such as insomnia and Restless Leg Syndrome. Don't ignore snoring, but let the experts help you control it for better health.

Why people snore

We all do occasionally when we have congested nasal passages because of a cold or allergies. Maybe the bedroom air is too dry, or we fall asleep exhausted after a hard day and just stay in an open-mouth position.

However, persistently loud, all-through-the-night snoring is abnormal, and the National Sleep Foundation links it to problems such as:

• Daytime sleepiness
• Irritability and depression
• Poor focus and memory
• Weight gain
• Sexual dysfunction
• Headaches
• Systemic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease

The National Sleep Foundation also reports that 90 million Americans snore. What can be done about this potentially serious health issue?

Diagnosis and treatment

At the Pacific Sleep Program in Portland and Astoria, our team of highly-trained experts uncovers the causes of snoring and other sleep disorders. Using information from a patient's primary care physician and results from state-of-the-art testing performed in-office our doctors craft individualized sleep medicine care plans to help patients achieve rest and optimal health.

Specifically, the doctors test patients with polysomnography, or tailor-made sleep studies which measure heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, muscular movements, sleep/wake cycles, and other factors. These diagnostics help the doctors pinpoint sleep disorders such as:

• Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
• Insomnia
• Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS)
• Central and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (CSA and OSA)

Chronic snoring can be related to UARS, CSA, and OSA. Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome is the most benign of these three sleep disorders because while the airway constricts breathing during sleep, breathing typically does not stop. Sleep apnea, however, does involve breathing cessation-related to airway obstruction or poor communication between the brain and the respiratory system.

Through a carefully selected and monitored sleep study, your doctor at Pacific Sleep Program can determine if you have one of these sleep problems. Treatment varies and usually includes lifestyle changes such as:

• Losing weight
• Avoiding food before bedtime
• Limiting alcohol
• Sleeping on one side rather than on the back
• Having a set bedtime routine
• Elimination of computers, cell phones, and television from the bedroom environment

Medical intervention for sleep apnea and upper airway resistance may include a PAP machine, a bedside apparatus which delivers a steady stream of air through the airway to keep it open. Serious cases may warrant surgery to modify the soft tissues at the back of the throat.

Do you snore?

Don't ignore this problem. Seek help with the team at Pacific Sleep Program. Phone today for an appointment. In Astoria call (503) 325-3126, or in Portland call (503) 228-4414.