Medical Services > Sleep and Breathing Disorders

Snoring doesn't have to affect a person's quality of life, or drive a wedge between bed partners. The specialists at UT Southwestern Medical Center can help patients diminish, or even stop, snoring.

Snoring usually occurs because a person's upper airway is partially obstructed. Some of the common causes of snoring include:

• Deviated septum
• Elongated palate or uvula
• Enlarged tongue
• Enlarged tonsils
• Narrow throat passage
• Nasal congestion
• Nasal polyps
• Obesity
• Poor dental states

A percentage of people who snore have sleep apnea, a serious and potentially dangerous disorder. Sleep apnea is associated with heart failure, high blood pressure and stroke. It is important that people who snore see a Sleep and Breathing Disorders Center specialist for a proper diagnosis.

To help accurately diagnose the causes of snoring, our sleep disorder specialists may prescribe a sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram (PSG). The sleep study measures the patient’s neurological, cardiovascular, breathing and muscle functions while sleeping. The record is invaluable for helping to determine the source of the condition and which snoring treatment to recommend.

Depending on the patient’s diagnosis and specific condition, our physicians may administer such treatments as biofeedback and progressive muscle relaxation techniques and suggest a variety of behavioral modifications. In addition, oral appliances, medication, psychological therapy and surgery may be prescribed to treat snoring. One treatment for snoring and sleep apnea is the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP device. This device gently blows air into a mask placed over the patient's nose. The gentle air pressure keeps the airway open.

Patients who snore can also be treated by our ear, nose and throat and oral surgery services.

Please visit the Health Library to learn more about snoring.