Snoring - Facts and Fixes
Snoring Elimination Simple Fixes:
It is possible to treat snoring through lifestyle modifications:
These options include :
- Lose weight if you are over weight
- Quit smoking
- Change sleeping habits by changing your position and sleep on your side instead of your back
- Avoid taking alcohol or sedatives before bed.
- If nasal congestion is the cause of your snoring, try nasal dilators or nasal strips. Nasal strips widen the nostrils and improve airflow.
- Another reason for nasal congestion is a stuffy nose caused by a cold or allergies. You can try clearing your nasal passages or using medications such as decongestants and inhaled corticosteroids. These open the airway, permitting a smoother airflow, and may reduce snoring. However, inhaled decongestants should not be used for a long period of time.
- If it due to your jaw structure oral breathing devices can treat snoring, especially if it is caused by jaw position during sleep. These devices push the tongue and jaw forward to improve airflow, may also be an option.
- Raising the head of your bed 4 in. (10 cm) to 6 in. (15 cm) by putting bricks under the legs of the bed (using pillows to raise your head and upper body will not work)
If Snoring Continues?
If your bed partner is bothered by your snoring, he or she may try using
ear plugs or machines that play ambient music or natural sounds. These can
block or cover up the noise.
If your snoring gets progressively worse then talk to your health professional.
You may need to be tested to see whether you have developed upper airway
resistance syndrome or sleep apnea, a potentially serious sleep disorder
in which you periodically stop breathing during sleep.
Your health professional may suggest continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP is the standard treatment for sleep apnea but is rarely used for snoring. For more information on CPAP, see the topic Sleep Apnea.
Extreme Cases of Snoring:
In extreme cases, the following surgeries may be performed.
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty removes excess tissue in the throat, widening
the airway and leading to a smoother airflow.
Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty removes excess tissue in the throat using
a laser.
Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy may be used if you have enlarged tonsils and adenoids that are blocking your airway during sleep.
Nasal septoplasty repairs and straightens the bone and tissues (septum) separating the two passages in the nose. This procedure is done if a nasal deformity interferes with breathing.
Nasal polypectomy removes soft, round tissues (polyps) that can project into the nasal passages.
