Snoring is very common, and approximately three out of ten people snore. Few simple changes in the lifestyle such as changing the eating pattern, losing weight, avoiding alcohol at bedtime, and getting more exercise during the day can sometimes lessen or eradicate the problem of snoring. Almost 30% of women and 45% of men snore, and people who usually do not snore report snoring after drinking alcohol, after viral illness or when taking any medications. Many couples facing the problem of snoring end up sleeping in separate bedrooms, but this can result in disrupted communication and intimacy.
People who snore have too much of nasal and throat tissue, or floppy tissue which is more prone to vibrate. If the person snores with the mouth closed, there is s problem with the tongue, and if the person snores with the mouth open, the snoring might be related to the tissues in the throat. Through evaluation of snoring problem requires taking inputs from family members or bed partners, and performing physical examination. The patient is also asked about daytime symptoms of sleepiness, sleep hygiene, sleep pattern, frequency of awakening at night, daytime napping and so on.
Witnessed apnea or gasping by the bed partner may suggest heart problems or breathing problem like sleep apnea. Jerking movements may indicate problems such as movement disorder, periodic limb or restless leg syndrome. The problem of snoring is usually a problem for a roommate or bed partner, hence successful treatment should include achieving good night’s sleep for them as well. Behavioral changes such as smoking cessation, avoiding alcohol, losing weight and changing the medication can help reduce snoring.
Elevating the head few inches while sleeping makes the breathing easier, and encourages the jaw and tongue to move forward. To get relief from snoring, you can try to lose weight, sleep on your side, elevate your head while sleeping, avoid alcohol and certain medications before bed and clear your nasal passage with the help of nasal decongestants or nasal strips. Singing increases the muscle control in soft palate and throat, and can help reduce snoring. If nothing seems to be working to help you reduce snoring, you will have to consult and otolaryngologist, and if you want to try the dental appliance, you will have to see the dentist specializing in these devices.
Surgery reduces the narrowing in the anatomic area that causes snoring, and the treatment is focused mainly on palate and uvula, nasal passage and tongue. Oral devices, dental appliances and lower jaw positioners can be used to reduce snoring, and a dentist specializing in sleep disorder can fit one of these devices for you. Certain surgeries such as Thermal Ablation Palatoplasty, Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy increase the size of airways by removing the tissues or correcting abnormalities.
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