- Snoring is the act of
breathing through the open mouth in such a way as to cause a
vibration of the uvula and soft palate, thus giving rise to a sound
which may vary from a soft noise to a loud unpleasant sound. This
most commonly occurs during sleep.
The cause of snoring is some kind of blockage in the breathing
passage. Those blockages can be of many kinds—here are just a few:
- Tongue falling into the
throat
- Allergies
- Throat weakness causing the throat to close during sleep
- Mispositioned jaw, often caused by tension in muscles
- Fat gathering in, and around, the throat
When the airflow in the breathing passage becomes irregular
(because of the blockage) then the soft palate starts flapping.
This flapping of the soft palate is what makes the snoring sound.
Surgery is one option to cure snoring (e.g a
uvulopalatopharyngoplasty); dental appliances such as a mandibular
advancement splint are another. There are many devices such as nose
clips to keep the nose open and jaw mechanics to keep the jaw in the
right position. Different aids work for different people.
Laser Snoring Therapy
Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) is a surgery that can
stop snoring. A laser device is used to remove the uvula and part of
the soft palate. Because the main symptom of sleep apnea-snoring-is
stopped, it is important to have a sleep study before having this
surgery.
- Simple
measures to prevent snoring
Lose weight
Sleep on your side.
Sleep without a pillow. Pillows can block your airway by bending
your neck.
Elevate the head of your bed four inches.
Eliminate smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.
Avoid high-fat dairy milk products or soy milk products before
sleeping.
Avoid antihistamines for allergies or stuffiness.
Avoid sleeping pills or other sedatives.
Medical treatments for
snoring
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
Dental appliances, oral devices, and lower jaw positioners
