Snoring Treatments: Sleeping Minus the Snoring

Ever stayed up late because your roommate or someone in the house snores loudly? Have you stayed up late until all the people in the house are asleep before sleeping because you snore? Are you searching for effective snoring treatments? If yes, then this article is for you.

Why do some people snore?

A person snores when his airway is partially blocked thus; air has difficulty in flowing in and out of the body. Air then vibrates against and between body parts such as the palate, uvula, and the tongue producing the noisy sound that keeps other people awake while the snorer snores on. Air may also vibrate against adenoids and tonsils (especially when they are enlarged) causing people to snore. Even a relaxed tongue that gets in the way of air can make a person snore.

Who are most likely to snore?

Snoring happens to all: young and old. But male adults especially those above 40, as well as overweight people and smokers are most likely candidates. A person who eats too much at night before s/he sleeps, or drinks a lot of alcoholic drinks at night may also experience snoring in their sleep. When a person eats too much at night, food from the stomach may go back up again since the muscles are more relaxed. It goes up into the esophagus obstructing the airway as a person breathes. When a person takes in excessive alcohol before sleeping, the muscles of the tongue may relax too much and droop. When this happens, the tongue can block the air from flowing in and out properly.

Children who suffer from clogged noses due to colds and allergies, as well as those who experience frequent enlargement of tonsils (tonsillitis) also snore because the space where air can flow grows smaller.

Sleeping with the back flat on a bed can make the tongue drop and block the airway thus snores.

Is snoring dangerous?

Snoring by itself is not dangerous, but loud and persistent snoring can be a symptom of a more dangerous sleeping disorder called sleep apnea. When a person has sleep apnea, s/he finds it difficult to stay awake during any time of the day. Moreover, when s/he is asleep, his/her breathing can stop for a few seconds even up to a minute. When a person stops breathing, oxygen cannot enter the body. If the brain is deprived of oxygen for even 4 minutes, brain damage and even death can result. Not only that, since a person with sleep apnea finds difficulty in keeping awake, this can prove to be fatal when s/he happens to fall asleep while driving a car. This condition requires immediate medical treatment.

Where can I ask help for snoring problems?

There are several ways to treat snoring depending on its cause thus, a person needs to be evaluated by an otolaryngologist, an eye-nose-throat doctor. A local clinic or a hospital is sure to have this special doctor.

A person being evaluated to pinpoint the cause of snoring will be asked to sleep with machines plugged to monitor heart rate, concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, eye movement, and the flow of air through the nose. The appropriate treatment will be given by the doctor after this evaluation.

How is snoring treated?

If snoring is due to body position, then tilting the person to one side will correct this.

If snoring is caused by clogged nose due to colds or seasonal allergies, then the best treatment is to have it cleared using nasal sprays and anti-allergy medicines.

If snoring (especially in children) is caused by enlarged tonsils, then the child should be treated by a doctor with antibiotics. Worst cases of tonsillitis would require surgical removal of the enlarged tonsils.

If snoring is caused by in-born features or structure of the nasal cavity (e.g. crooked cartilage between the nostrils), then a nose surgery called somnoplasty can help. In this surgical treatment, low-frequency radio energy is used to coagulate some tissues that block the nasal passage. This 30-minute procedure is done under local anesthesia. Results are significantly “heard” 8 weeks after somnoplasty. This treatment costs around $1700 depending on the price set by the clinic or hospital.

If these treatments mentioned above do not stop snoring, then consider lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, refraining from drinking excessive alcohol and overeating at night. Moreover, lose weight be exercising. Exercise does not only help a person lose weight; it also helps improve blood circulation, which can help people who may be suffering from sleep apnea to get more oxygen circulating in their bodies. These changes can prove to be more helpful in the long run not just to treat snoring, but also improve the overall constitution of the body.

Snoring is not the end of sweet dreams and good relations at home. Remember, snoring treatments can be found, so see a doctor now for a sound medical opinion.