ENT Sleep Apnea Specialists in Minneapolis
Sleeping and Snoring Issues
High-quality sleep is a building block of health and wellness. At Renew, we know snoring is no joking matter. ENT issues such as sinusitis and sleep apnea will not only disrupt your sleep but your quality of life as well. The team of experienced sleep specialists at our Minneapolis ENT clinic are here to help.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common issue that we’ve addressed in many patients. Undiagnosed OSA can cause a litany of problems: heart attack, stroke, dangerous exhaustion and elevated blood pressure to name only a few. It makes sleep a challenge, which in turn makes showing up for your best life a lot harder than it needs to be. Undiagnosed sleep apnea has been associated with health issues such as heart attacks and strokes. Treating sleep apnea can reduce your blood pressure and make you feel more alert and awake during the day. Whether you’ve already tried sleep apnea solutions or you’re just looking for a diagnosis, Renew is ready to set you on a path to recovery. Whatever the cause, the Renew ENT team of sleep specialists is ready to help set you on a path toward easier, more comfortable breathing — let’s talk.
Meet Your Team
Dr. Geoffrey Getnick
Board certified in Otolaryngology, Dr. Getnick received his bachelor’s degree from Princeton University. He was named “Best Doctor” in Minnesota Monthly.
Dr. Justin Wudel
A dual board-certified Otolaryngologist and fellowship-trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Wudel has expertise in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face.
Dr. Tyler Mingo
Dr. Mingo has expertise in the full breadth of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery with a special interest in Laryngology, the medical and surgical treatment of speech and swallow disorders.
When we’re sleeping, our respiratory muscles — including our tongue — relax. For some, the tongue relaxes in a way that ends up blocking their airway. When a blockage like this occurs and we attempt to breathe, it causes vibrations that in turn cause snoring’s telltale honkshoo sound. There are extenuating circumstances that can make it easier or more likely for this to occur: excess weight, nasal congestion, certain sleeping positions, alcohol consumption and deviated septums, for example.
Yes, it’s possible — though slightly less likely — to have sleep apnea without snoring. Some with the condition don’t snore at all, especially those with central sleep apnea where breathing interruptions are caused by the brain failing to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing as opposed to an airway blockage.
You’re more likely to snore when sleeping on your back because this position makes it easier for your tongue to relax back onto the opening of your throat, blocking airflow. If snoring is something that you’re struggling with and you haven’t tried any preventative measures so far, start by actively trying a side-sleeping position. It often helps!
Being overweight often comes with excess body fat throughout the body. If that excess body fat is around the neck and throat, it can lead to a narrower airway that in turn becomes more prone to obstruction during sleep. Addressing weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise can often reduce or eliminate snoring.
In order to know whether or not you snore at night, you’ll have to do some detective work. The easiest way to find out is to ask a partner, roommate or relative if they’ve noticed any snoring. If you don’t have someone you can ask, you can use an app on your phone to monitor your sleep habits, including any sounds you might make. If you often wake up with dry mouth, a sore throat or repetitive daytime fatigue, these could be signs of snoring or an underlying sleep disorder. As always, for the most accurate and detailed assessment, you should consider seeing a sleep specialist or ENT surgeon.
Sleep and Snore Patient Education
Allergic Rhinitis
Sinusitis
