Eastern Connecticut Ear, Nose & Throat has some of the most well-recognized sleep disorder and sleep apnea specialists in Eastern Connecticut. We make it our mission to get to the root cause of your issue, diagnose the problem outright, and prescribe the best treatments available at our modern, fully equipped snoring centers.

Through our efforts, we have helped countless families and individuals find the peaceful sleep they need. And now, we want to help you too!

What causes snoring and sleep apnea?

Snoring occurs when the muscles of the palate and uvula relax. The result is a physical obstruction to normal breathing.

There are multiple causes of sleep apnea, including tonsil enlargement, nasal blockages, cysts or tumors in the throat, and obesity.

Are snoring and sleep apnea an indication of any other health problems?

Sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, congestive heart failure, and other cardiopulmonary problems. It has also been shown to increase the risk of an automobile accident due to degraded reaction time.

Snoring is a more common issue, affecting an estimated one in four people. It can be socially disruptive by causing other family members to have sleepless nights. Snoring can also be related to the more serious condition of sleep apnea if it is associated with symptoms such as high blood pressure, chest pain or gasping at night, restless sleep, or a headache or a sore throat upon awakening.

What treatments are available for snoring or sleep apnea?

The physicians at Eastern Connecticut Ear, Nose & Throat have the expertise to diagnose your sleeping disorder and recommend an individual treatment plan to let you return to a peaceful night’s sleep.

One way to treat snoring and sleep apnea is lifestyle changes. These may include weight loss, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol and other muscle-relaxing substances in the evening, sleeping on your side or stomach, or wearing a mouthpiece to help keep your airway open at night.

Another common treatment for sleep apnea is a CPAP machine. This device uses a hose and nasal mask to provide steady air pressure to keep the user’s airways open.