Snoring occurs when air is not able to move freely through your nose and mouth during sleep. This is due to a narrowing of your airway, which causes the tissues to vibrate and make an audible sound. In extreme cases, the airway can become blocked which is known as obstructive sleep apnea. Many factors can contribute to snoring such as age, nasal and sinus problems, being overweight, alcohol, smoking, medications, and sleep posture.

In extreme cases, the airway can become blocked, and you briefly stop breathing all together. The lack of oxygen triggers your stress response so you wake up, gasping for air. This is obstructive sleep apnea, with these episodes happening repeatedly through the night – sometimes dozens of times every hour!

Snoring is more than just an annoyance to your sleep partner. Sleep deprivation due to snoring can negatively impact your health and quality of life. Snorers can experience tiredness, morning headaches, irritability, dry mouth, and relationship difficulties. Studies have also shown a link between snoring and a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.

Oral appliance therapy can be an option in many cases of snoring and sleep apnea. The appliances work by keeping the airway open. Research has shown that it may be as effective as CPAP, which has long been considered the gold standard for treating OSA. However, many people find it uncomfortable. Oral appliance therapy offers them an alternative.

Another great alternative is a laser treatment known as NightLase.

NightLase is an innovative, non-invasive procedure in which a laser is used to restructure collagen at the top of the airway, tightening the tissues so air can move more freely through the nose and mouth to the lungs. Research has shown that it can significantly improve snoring in most patients, especially older adults, and it is well tolerated, with minimal side effects.

Laser energy is used to heat the tissues of the airway, which causes a tightening effect that helps keep your airway open. Typically, just three short treatments over two months are needed. Each treatment lasts about 15 minutes and requires no anesthesia. Positive results are often reported after just the first session alone. When all three treatments are done, the effects can last from 12 to 18 months before a touch-up may be needed.