If you or your partner snore regularly, it’s tempting to brush it off as “just a noise problem.” But for many people, snoring is more than a bedtime annoyance—it can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a medical condition that affects breathing and long-term health. At the Advanced Dental Sleep Treatment Center, our Omaha dental sleep experts help patients uncover the underlying causes of their snoring and find comfortable, non-invasive solutions that improve both sleep and overall well-being.
Snoring 101: What It Is and Why It Happens
Snoring happens when airflow causes relaxed tissues in the throat to vibrate during sleep. It’s incredibly common and often harmless, but frequent, loud snoring may signal that the airway is partially blocked.
Typical causes of snoring include:
- Sleeping on your back
- Alcohol or sedative use before bed
- Nasal congestion or allergies
- Weight gain or changes in muscle tone
- Anatomical factors such as a narrow airway or enlarged tongue
While occasional snoring may not require treatment, consistent snoring—especially when accompanied by daytime fatigue—deserves a closer examination. It may indicate a more serious breathing issue, such as sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea 101: Beyond “Just Snoring”
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep, resulting in a stoppage of airflow for several seconds or longer. When this happens repeatedly, your brain briefly wakes you up to restart breathing, often without your awareness.
These interruptions prevent your body from getting enough oxygen and disrupt the natural sleep cycle, leaving you tired even after a full night’s rest.
Common signs of sleep apnea include:
- Loud, chronic snoring punctuated by pauses or gasping
- Morning headaches or sore throat
- Dry mouth upon waking
- Excessive daytime sleepiness or brain fog
- Irritability or mood changes
Left untreated, OSA can increase risks for high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and even cognitive decline. Identifying and addressing it early protects both your health and quality of life.
Red Flags That Snoring May Be Sleep Apnea
It’s not always easy to determine whether snoring is a minor issue or a serious one. However, several patterns often suggest an underlying breathing disorder.
If you or your bed partner notices these signs, it may be time to consider a home sleep test for a clear diagnosis.
Nighttime Signs To Watch For
Snoring associated with sleep apnea tends to exhibit distinctive patterns and behaviors.
- Pauses in breathing followed by gasps or choking sounds
- Loud, consistent snoring most nights of the week
- Restless sleep, tossing and turning, or frequent awakenings
- Night sweats or waking up feeling short of breath
Daytime Signs That Raise Concern
Poor-quality sleep affects how you feel and function during the day.
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Daytime fatigue or dozing off during quiet activities
- Trouble focusing or remembering details
- Mood changes, irritability, or low energy
What Partners Often Notice
Because people with sleep apnea often aren’t aware of the problem, partners can provide valuable insight.
- Loud snoring followed by long silences or choking
- Teeth grinding or jaw clenching sounds
- Frequent movement, bathroom trips, or restless legs
Do You Need a Home Sleep Test?
A home sleep test (HST) is the simplest way to find out if your snoring is related to sleep apnea. At our Omaha office, we make testing easy, accurate, and comfortable—all in your own bed.
How a Home Sleep Test Works
An HST is a compact, medical-grade device that tracks breathing, oxygen levels, and snoring sounds while you sleep.
- After a virtual appointment with a sleep physician, a device will be mailed to your house, and you’ll wear it for two nights.
- The sensor records your breathing patterns and snoring data.
- You return the unit and the data is sent for interpretation by a sleep physician.
The results help us determine whether your snoring is mild or whether breathing interruptions point to sleep apnea. Either way, you’ll have real answers and clear next steps.
What Your Results Mean
Your report will show how many times per hour your breathing slowed or stopped—a measurement called the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI).
- Snoring only: Airflow restriction without oxygen drops.
- Mild to severe OSA: Repeated breathing pauses and oxygen dips.
If your test indicates sleep apnea, we’ll discuss comfortable, non-invasive options, such as oral appliance therapy, that can replace or supplement a CPAP machine. If you have simple snoring, we can recommend lifestyle tips and custom snoring appliances that promote quieter, healthier sleep.
Treatment Paths Based on Your Results
No two patients are alike, so we personalize every treatment plan to match your diagnosis, lifestyle, and goals.
If It’s Sleep Apnea
For many adults, oral appliance therapy (OAT) is the most convenient, effective alternative to CPAP. These small, custom-fit devices reposition the lower jaw to help keep your airway open and stable throughout the night.
At the Advanced Dental Sleep Treatment Center, Dr. Melissa Sheets, DDS, DABDSM, and her team uses digital impressions for a precise fit of the appliance. Our follow-up visits fine-tune comfort and ensure the appliance keeps your airway open.
We also collaborate with your physician and may recommend a repeat sleep test to verify that your breathing has improved.
If It’s Primary Snoring
Even if your test shows no signs of sleep apnea, snoring can still impact your rest and relationships. Custom oral appliances gently move the lower jaw forward to reduce tissue vibration and snoring sounds.
In addition to appliance therapy, we may suggest simple adjustments such as:
- Sleeping on your side instead of your back
- Avoiding alcohol or sedatives before bedtime
- Managing nasal allergies or congestion
- Maintaining a healthy weight
You can learn more about these options on our snoring treatment page, where we discuss how custom appliances outperform store-bought devices.
Why Choose Advanced Dental Sleep Treatment Center
Our Omaha practice is Nebraska’s only facility dedicated exclusively to treating snoring and sleep apnea through dental sleep medicine. That means every system, every technology, and every appointment is designed to make the process easier for you.
Dr. Sheets and our experienced team focus on comfort, education, and measurable results. Whether you’re trying to stop snoring or replace your CPAP, we provide long-term support and data-driven care that fits your daily life.
You can learn more about our sleep dentistry team and their commitment to personalized, patient-first treatment.
What To Expect During the Process
Our approach is streamlined, allowing you to move from confusion to clarity in just a few steps.
- Testing: Take a home sleep test to confirm whether you have OSA or simple snoring.
- Treatment Planning: Discuss results and select the most comfortable, effective therapy for your needs.
- Follow-Up and Adjustment: Ensure your appliance fits perfectly and your symptoms improve.
- Maintenance and Support: We check in periodically to confirm lasting results and adjust as needed.
This patient-first model has helped thousands of adults in Nebraska and beyond, breathe easier, sleep better, and feel more energized every day.
FAQs: Common Questions About Snoring, Sleep Apnea, and Testing
Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep
If snoring is disrupting your nights—or you suspect it might be something more—start with a simple home sleep test. Our Omaha team at the Advanced Dental Sleep Treatment Center will guide you through testing, diagnosis, and treatment with compassion and expertise.
You don’t have to live with fatigue, snoring, or restless sleep. Call us today at (402) 493-4175 to discuss home sleep testing if you’re ready to schedule an appointment.
