Snoring doesn’t always create additional health issues, but it can interfere in your senior’s sleep. It can also be a sign that there’s more going on, so it’s best not to ignore snoring completely. Here are some steps you can take together.
See What Her Doctor Can Tell You
There are a host of medical reasons that can explain snoring. Some of them can be managed, like sleep apnea. Others may not have an easy solution, but knowing what’s causing your senior’s snoring can help her to deal with it emotionally. Your senior’s doctor may order a sleep study, which is an overnight test that looks at what happens while your senior is sleeping. This can help to find other potential causes that might not show up in other ways.
Sleep Positions Factor in to Snoring
The positions your senior uses in order to sleep can be part of the problem for her. If she’s sleeping flat on her back, that might be comfortable, but it can cause the soft palate in the back of her mouth and her tongue to block air at the back of her throat. Sleeping on her side may help to reduce snoring and give her a more solid night sleep.
Take a Look at How Allergies Impact Her Snoring
If your senior has allergies, either seasonal allergies or year-round versions, she might be experiencing trouble with snoring because of those allergies. The inflammation in her sinuses can make snoring almost unavoidable. Using antihistamines or decongestants can help, so talk to your senior’s doctor about what types of medications your senior can safely add to help manage the issue.
Consider Lifestyle and Dietary Changes
Diet and lifestyle changes may also help, especially if snoring is a new problem for your senior. If she’s gained a little weight, that can cause her to start snoring, for instance. Losing just a few pounds with the guidance of her doctor can help. It might also help to look at what she’s eating, too. Drinks like milk, especially later in the day, can cause some people to create more mucus, which can increase the odds of snoring. For some people drinking alcohol can increase the likelihood of snoring.
Looking at all of these potential causes can be exhausting, especially if your senior still isn’t sleeping well. It can help for her to have some extra assistance with daily tasks so that she can focus on the changes she wants to make. Senior care providers can make sure that potential triggers, like dust mites and other allergens, are cleaned regularly.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Senior Care in Laurens, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116. Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca, Laurens, Charleston, Columbia and the surrounding areas.
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