You probably wouldn’t be able to sleep through the sound of a jackhammer! Would you believe that snoring can be just as loud? Sure, it's annoying, but snoring is more than just noise. It can take a toll on your everyday life and overall health. Luckily we have plenty of solutions. CHI Health is here to tell you what you should know on “Snoring: Uncovered.”

Hi, I'm Dr. Aaron Robinson, and I am an ear nose and throat specialist. Nearly half of all American adults snore occasionally, and one in four are habitual snorers. That nightly symphony takes a toll. Daytime sleepiness, morning headaches and difficulty with memory and attention are common problems that can occur. Snoring can also lead to weight gain and a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. People sometimes think snoring is a disease that can be cured, but it's actually a symptom that something else is going on. Being overweight is the top reason people snore, because extra weight narrows your airways. Drinking alcohol before bed slackens the throat tissues; smoking and seasonal allergies bring on congestion that clog the system.

Sometimes, structural problems are to blame. So, let's go to the source - your nose. A deviated septum leaves less room for breathing on one side of the nose; nasal turbinates can be enlarged due to allergies, inflammation, infection or just plain genetics. Weak cartilage can collapse and make air flow turbulent and loud. A word of caution - if you gasp or have pauses in  your breathing while you're asleep, you should be evaluated for a more serious condition called sleep apnea.

Sometimes you can stop snoring yourself, and not with a pillow. Start by losing excess weight. Don’t drink alcohol before bedtime, and it's always a good move to crush that smoking habit. Over-the-counter nasal rinses and nasal sprays can reduce inflammation. Nighttime nasal strips can keep cartilage from collapsing so give them a try. For more advanced solutions, see an ear nose and throat specialist. We have nasal implants for keeping passages open, cryotherapy that reduces inflammation and advice for oral appliances.