Snoring in Edmonton: Causes, Treatments & Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It

If you’re tired of being woken up by your partner’s snoring—or worse, waking yourself up with loud snoring—you’re not alone. Snoring is a common issue affecting countless Canadians. At The Sleep Institute, our snoring clinic in Edmonton offers advanced diagnostics and physician-led treatment plans to help you sleep better, breathe easier, and wake up refreshed.

But what actually causes snoring? And when is it a sign of something more serious like obstructive sleep apnea? In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from why snoring happens to how our Edmonton sleep experts can help you fix it.

 

What Is Snoring?

Snoring occurs when airflow through the mouth and nose is partially blocked during sleep. As air struggles to pass through narrowed or relaxed airways, the tissues in your throat vibrate, creating the familiar snoring sound. The louder the snoring, the more significant the obstruction may be.

While nearly everyone snores occasionally—especially when tired or congested—chronic snoring can be a red flag that shouldn’t be ignored.

 

Why Do People Snore?

At our Edmonton snoring clinic, one of the first things we look at is why a patient is snoring in the first place. There are several causes, including:

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

This is the most serious and common reason for loud, persistent snoring. OSA occurs when the throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway, causing breathing to stop and start throughout the night. It’s often accompanied by choking or gasping sounds, fatigue, and poor sleep quality.

2. Nasal Congestion

Chronic allergies, a deviated septum, or sinus infections can lead to mouth breathing and noisy sleep.

3. Obesity

Excess weight—especially around the neck—can compress the airway, increasing the likelihood of airway obstruction during sleep.

4. Sleeping Position

People who sleep on their back are more prone to snoring, as gravity can cause the tongue and soft palate to collapse to the back of the throat.

5. Alcohol and Sedatives

These substances relax the muscles in the throat and tongue, which can worsen snoring.

6. Age

As we get older, throat muscles lose tone, which can increase snoring.

 

When Is Snoring a Problem?

Occasional snoring—like during a cold or after a late night out—is usually harmless. But if you or a loved one snores loudly, nightly, or experiences choking or gasping during sleep, it may be time to visit a snore clinic in Edmonton.

Other warning signs include:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness
  
  

• Morning headaches
  
  

• Mood swings or irritability
  
  

• Difficulty concentrating
  
  

• High blood pressure
  
  

These symptoms could indicate sleep apnea, a condition that increases your risk for serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

 

How Our Clinic in Edmonton Can Help Snoring

At The Sleep Institute, we take a physician-led approach to snoring treatment. Unlike many clinics that rely on technicians, our patients are guided by certified Sleep Specialist Physicians from start to finish.

Here’s how we help:

Comprehensive Consultation

We can conduct a thorough consultation to review your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle. This helps us determine whether snoring is simply a minor issue—or a sign of sleep apnea or another disorder.

Level III Home Sleep Study

If sleep apnea is suspected, we may refer you for a Level III sleep study—a simple, in-home test using the Remmers Sleep Recorder. This pain-free device measures:

• Breathing patterns
  
  

• Oxygen levels
  
  

• Snoring episodes
  
  

• Apnea events
  
  

You’ll wear it overnight in the comfort of your home, and our team will analyze the data for an accurate diagnosis.

Level I Polysomnography (In-Lab Sleep Study)

For complex cases, we may recommend a Level I polysomnogram at our partner sleep lab. This is a fully monitored overnight study that records brain waves, heart rhythm, muscle movement, and more for a deep look at your sleep health.

 

Snoring Treatment Options Available in Edmonton

Once we’ve identified the root cause of your snoring, we’ll develop a personalized, evidence-based treatment plan. Options may include:

1. CPAP Therapy

If you’re diagnosed with moderate to severe sleep apnea, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy may be recommended. This involves wearing a mask during sleep that delivers a gentle stream of air to keep your airway open.

We provide premium CPAP therapy and support, with ongoing follow-up to ensure comfort and effectiveness.

2. Oral Appliance Therapy

For mild to moderate sleep apnea or primary snoring, a custom oral appliance may be an excellent alternative. These dental devices reposition the jaw to prevent airway collapse during sleep.

3. Lifestyle and Weight Loss Support

We offer guidance on how lifestyle changes like losing weight, reducing alcohol consumption, and improving sleep hygiene can dramatically reduce snoring.

4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)

Snoring and insomnia often coexist. We offer CBT-I, a proven, non-drug therapy to help improve sleep onset and quality.

5. Positional Therapy

If you snore mostly when sleeping on your back, we’ll work with you on positional therapy techniques that encourage side-sleeping.

 

Why Choose The Sleep Institute?

Physician-Led Care

Every patient at our Edmonton sleep clinic is managed by a certified Sleep Specialist, ensuring expert, individualized treatment.

Accredited and Trusted

We are fully accredited by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), and we maintain a reputation for top-tier, patient-centered care.

Covered by Alberta Health

All consultations are covered under Alberta and NWT Health, which means there’s no cost barrier to starting your journey toward better sleep.

 

Stop Snoring—Start Sleeping Better

Snoring doesn’t have to be a lifelong problem—or a relationship wrecker. Whether you’re dealing with mild snoring, suspected sleep apnea, or just want to improve your sleep quality, our snoring clinic in Edmonton is here to help.

At The Sleep Institute, we combine expert diagnosis with cutting-edge treatment options to give you the restful sleep you deserve.

Book Your Snoring Consultation in Edmonton Today

Don’t wait for snoring to take a toll on your health or your relationship. Contact The Sleep Institute and schedule your sleep consultation today. You’ll be glad you did.