Why It Happens:
- Stress: Your body holds tension in your jaw, which can lead to grinding.
- Sleep Apnea: When your breathing stops and starts, your jaw works harder to keep the airway open.
- Misaligned Teeth: Teeth that don’t fit together properly may trigger grinding.
How to Fix It:
Consider a night guard if you’re grinding regularly. Also, reducing stress and treating sleep apnea (if necessary) can help.
5. Snoring—More Than Just Annoying
Think snoring is just an annoying habit? It could be a sign of sleep apnea, a serious condition where your airway is partially or fully blocked during sleep. Snoring is often a symptom of this.
Why It Happens:
- Obesity: Extra weight, especially around the neck, can obstruct your airways.
- Nasal Issues: Congestion or a deviated septum makes it harder to breathe.
- Sleep Position: Sleeping on your back can cause your tongue to block your airway.
How to Fix It:
If your snoring is loud or irregular, get checked for sleep apnea. Otherwise, try sleeping on your side, using a humidifier, or losing weight to reduce snoring.
