Snoring is a common sleep disorder that affects everyone of any age, although it occurs more often in men and overweight people. Snoring has a tendency to worsen with age. 45% of adults are occasionally snoring, while 25% are considered habitual snorers.

Occasional snoring is usually not very serious and is mostly annoying for the snorer's bed companion. However, the habitual snoring not only disturbs the sleep patterns of the people around him, but also disturbs his own sleep patterns. Habitual snorers are snoring every time they sleep, and after a night they seem to feel tired after a rest. Habitual snorers usually need medical assistance to get a good night's sleep.

What snoring treatment is available?

If you are occasionally snoring, you can try the following behavior changes to help resolve the issue:

• Lose weight and improve eating habits.

• Avoid taking sedatives, sleeping pills and antihistamines before going to bed.

• Avoid drinking, eating big meals or snacks at least four hours before going to bed.

• Establish a regular sleep mode. For example, go to bed at the same time every night.

• Sleep by your side instead of lying on your back.

• Support your bedside – not just your pillow – up four inches.

If the above changes do not help to fight, please consult a doctor. Otolaryngologists [Otorhinolaryngologists] offer a variety of treatment options to reduce or eliminate snoring or sleep apnea.

There are more than 300 devices on the market that can help prevent snoring; however, none of these devices address all of the potential anatomical problems that cause snoring [such as stuffy nose and overweight]. Surgery may be needed to correct physical problems. Snoring and sleep apnea surgery include:

• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty [UPPP or UP3]: A surgical treatment that tightens and rebuilds loose tissue in the throat and tendon. This is usually used for people with moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea.

• Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty [LAUP]: Laser surgery eliminates airway obstruction. The treatment is performed under local anesthesia in the doctor's office for snorers and people with mild obstructive sleep apnea.

• Somnoplasty: This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses RF energy to contract excess tissue in the palate, uvula and tongue tissue. This treatment can also be used to relieve nasal congestion.

• The genioglossus and hyoid bones: This is a surgical treatment of sleep apnea that collapses the hypopharynx by pulling the tongue forward.

• Nasal septum and turbinate surgery: This is an operation that repairs the blockage of the nose and helps the air pass through the nose smoothly and quietly.

• Tonsillectomy: It may be necessary to remove tonsils and adenoids to prevent snoring, especially in children.

Other treatments for snoring

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure [CPAP]: The patient may be equipped with a nasal mask that forces air through the upper respiratory tract. The air pressure is adjusted to prevent the upper airway tissue from collapsing during sleep. The pressure is constant and continuous. This should help people breathe better and sleep all night.

What snoring treatment is available? was originally published on Spring