The holidays are here once again—along with late nights, treats, family gatherings, and a whole lot of excitement. While the kids are dreaming of Santa, your own sleep may be another story. If your loud snoring happens to echo through the house, there’s a chance your family may be blaming the “reindeer on the roof”—when in reality, it’s your airway making all the noise.
Snoring may seem harmless, but it can be a sign of sleep apnea. And the extra food, late nights, and holiday indulgence can make symptoms noticeably worse. The good news? You can give yourself the gift of better sleep this season.
Avoid Worsening Snoring & Sleep Apnea This Holiday Season
Whether you’re celebrating at home or staying with relatives, snoring caused by sleep apnea can be disruptive—not just for you, but for everyone around you. Those who sleep alone may experience daytime fatigue, low energy, and worsening health. For those sharing a room or a full house, loud snoring may interrupt everyone’s rest.
If loud snoring has become part of your nightly routine—especially during the holidays—it’s time to consider whether sleep apnea may be the cause.
Why Do You Snore (and Why Is It Worse in December)?
Snoring occurs when airflow is partially blocked, causing soft tissues in the airway to vibrate. Mild snoring may be a simple nuisance, but loud or frequent snoring can be a symptom of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Low energy
- Mood swings
- Reduced libido
Holiday routines can make symptoms worse. Increased alcohol, unhealthy foods, inconsistent sleep schedules, and reduced exercise can all contribute to airway obstruction. In fact, studies show people snore more in December than any other month.
What You Should Know About Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea happens when airway tissues collapse during sleep, blocking airflow and disrupting breathing. This can cause you to wake up gasping for air, interrupting deep sleep and lowering oxygen levels.
Other triggers include:
- Obstructed nasal passages
- Sleeping on your back
- Weak throat muscle tone
- Lifestyle habits
- Weight gain
Left untreated, sleep apnea can affect every part of your well-being—from cardiovascular health to daily performance.
Why a Sleep Study Should Be on Your Holiday List
A sleep study, also known as a polysomnography, helps identify the cause of snoring and determine whether you have sleep apnea. Sleep studies monitor breathing, oxygen levels, brain activity, and sleep stages throughout the night.
Some tests take place in a sleep center, while others can be performed in the comfort of your home. Either way, the results guide treatment and reveal exactly what’s happening while you sleep.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options That Really Help
Lifestyle Improvements
Changes in diet, weight, and exercise can make a significant difference for many patients.
CPAP & BiPAP
These devices keep the airway open and are effective for many individuals, although some struggle with comfort or noise.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Custom oral appliances gently reposition the jaw to maintain an open airway. Many patients find these more comfortable and easier to tolerate compared to traditional CPAP therapy.
In-Office Procedures & Surgical Options
Depending on airway anatomy, some patients benefit from minimally invasive procedures or surgical approaches when other treatments are not sufficient.
Ready to Add Restful Sleep to Your Holiday Wish List?
This season, give yourself (and your family) the gift of quieter nights. If snoring, fatigue, or breathing pauses are disrupting your sleep, now is the perfect time to schedule a sleep study and explore treatment options.
Full Breath Solutions offers personalized solutions designed to help you breathe easier, sleep deeply, and wake up refreshed—just in time for a healthier new year.
A Full Breath Center dentist will be able to help you determine if sleep apnea treatment is right for you. Please make an appointment with Dr. P. J. Nagjee by calling (310) 435-7939.
