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Snoring
Home » Common Ailments » Sleep Disorders » SnoringSnoring is common and affects people at any age, although it is more frequent in men and overweight people. Snoring usually worsens with age. 45% of adults snore occasionally; 25% of adults snore regularly. Occasional snoring is rarely serious. Habitual snoring, however, disrupts the snorer's sleep as well as his partner's. Habitual snorers are often tired after getting a good night's sleep.
Snoring occurs when the airflow through the nose and mouth is obstructed. This air flow can be obstructed by several things, including:
• Obstructed nasal airways - This usually occurs when a person is suffering from a cold or allergies. However, it can also occur when there are deformities of the nose, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps.
• Poor muscle tone in the throat and tongue - If the throat and tongue muscles are too relaxed, they can collapse and fall into the airway. This can be caused by deep sleep, alcohol, and sleeping pills. This can also worsen with age.
• Bulky throat tissue - Being overweight can cause bulky throat tissue. People with large tonsils and adenoids also have this problem.
• Long soft palate and/or uvula - Having a long soft palate and/or uvula can narrow the passage from the nose to the throat. When the walls of this passage vibrate and bump together, it obstructs the airway.
These are some behavioral changes that can help treat snoring:
• Lose weight and eat healthy foods.
• Avoid tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and antihistamines before bed.
• Avoid alcohol, heavy meals, and snacks for at least four hours before bed.
• Establish regular sleeping patterns.
• Sleep on your side, not on your back.
• Tilt the head of your bed up four inches.
If these changes don't help, your doctor can help you with treatment that is right for you. While there are products and devices that are designed to prevent snoring, none of them address the health problems that are causing the snoring. Surgery may be needed to correct these problems. Masks are also available that force air through the airway, preventing the airway from collapsing during sleep.
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