Too Loud and Clear: How to Stop Snoring

Just about anyone who knows they snore has probably tried to stop snoring before. Not only for themselves, but for other people who wake up and lose valuable rest because of the noise. The problem is, snoring is not voluntary, it is an involuntary action—so it is not as easy as just saying “I’m going to stop snoring tonight.” If only it was. That being said, there are still different ways to treat snoring. This does not mean that everyone can stop snoring, but there are ways to treat many different of the causes that make many people snore.

The main medical cause of snoring (at least the majority of the time) is that the airway in your throat constricts (shrinks) and so your body is not getting enough air when you sleep. The snoring is your body’s way of trying to naturally compensate. There are all kinds of machines, gadgets, gimmicks, medicines, and combination of all of the above that have been touting their ability to prevent a person from snoring, with mixed results. There are some people who have touted various methods to stop snoring without the use of any other assistance. According to these people, the problem is that your tongue gets in the way of the airway, and training the tongue to stay out of the way will eliminate the snoring. There are websites and even entire books touting this method.

Another thought is that literally 99% of people who snore breathe through their mouths at night. This has led to a relatively new idea, a chin strap. The idea behind this is that if your mouth is held closed when you sleep, you will have to breathe through your nose and therefore will stop snoring. Some people say that after a certain amount of time this will train you to naturally breathe with your nose at night, others do not make any type of similar claim. The obvious problem to this is how uncomfortable it can be.

There are various more conventional methods of dealing with snoring, which include various nasal strips (to open the breathing passages) and nasal sprays. There is also a specialized pillow, designed to relax and support the neck muscles in such a way that it is also supposed to keep the airway open and therefore reduce snoring. Some studies have also found that smokers who quit sometimes top snoring as their lungs recover. There are many different options and directions, but there is probably an option out there for anyone who wants to look.

Treatments To Stop Snoring Now

Even though a bad snorer may sound like a motorboat speeding over the waves, the truth is that snoring is caused by obstructed breathing, and obstruction can lead to serious problems. Snoring disturbs sleeping patterns and deprives the snorer of much needed rest. When snoring is severe, it can cause serious, long-term health problems, including obstructive sleep apnea not to mention disturbing the peace and quiet in the bedroom.

Simple changes, such as losing weight or sleeping on your side, can help as well as more drastic measures such as surgery. The following is a list of some of the best treatments to help with snoring problems.

Surgery is often used for treating snoring caused by obstructive sleep apnea. Different types of TAP (Thermal Ablation Palatoplasty) include bipolar cautery, laser, and radiofrequency.

• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) tightens flabby tissues in the throat and palate, and widens air passages.

• Laser Assisted Uvula Palatoplasty (LAUP) treats snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea by removing the obstruction in the airway. A laser is used to vaporize the uvula and a specified portion of the palate. Removing excess tissue enlarges your airway and reduces vibration.

• Radiofrequency-assisted uvulopalatoplasty or RAUP. Instead of a laser, thermal energy is used under local anesthesia to scar and shrink the soft tissue in the back of the throat

• Genioglossus and hyod advancement is a surgical procedure that prevents collapse of the lower throat and pulls the tongue muscles forward, thereby opening the obstructed airway.

• Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy treats snoring caused by problems with tonsils and adenoids. Often found in children.

If surgery is too risky or unwanted here are some non surgical ways to treat snoring:

• Use a nasal mask that delivers air pressure into the throat called a continuous positive airway pressure or “CPAP”. The mask is attached to a small pump that forces air through your airway to keep it from collapsing. CPAP eliminates snoring but many people find it cumbersome and uncomfortable.

• Change your sleep posture. Snoring is especially loud when you sleep on your back. Various pillows and strap-on devices will force you to sleep in the right position.

•Throat sprays coat the soft tissues of the throat with lubricating oils, allowing the air to move more freely and lessening the noisy vibration.

• Open up nasal passages with the following items including adhesive strips which hold open the airways of your nose, plastic devices to hold open your nostrils, and nasal sprays which reduce congestion or the swelling of nasal tissues. These methods will enhance your breathing.

• Mouthpiece devices are available often custom-fitted by your dentist which pulls the lower jaw and tongue forward, making more room at the back of the throat.

Oftentimes snoring can be helped with lifestyle changes but if you have concerns about snoring you should contact your doctor or dentist for a complete evaluation to discuss the snoring treatments available and to decide which might be the best help to stop your snoring now.

The Causes Of Snoring & Possible Treatments

Although there are a number of possible factors that may lead to snoring, there are several main causes that are most commonly believed to be the root cause of this nighttime nuisance.

One of the leading causes of snoring is obesity, which is also linked to other health problems. Therefore, many physicians recommend a well-balanced program featuring both diet and exercise to not only prevent snoring, but to improve their overall health.

When it comes to sleeping positions, many people simply look for comfort. While this is a very important part of getting a quality night’s sleep, individuals who suffer from snoring often need to look for much more than just comfort. Sleeping on your side may be one way of curbing your snoring problem. When an individual sleeps on their back, the tissue in the back of the throat tends to relax and often restricts the airway. When this occurs, snoring may be a result. Therefore, side sleeping is a possible remedy.

As the years go by and age seems to creep up on all of us, snoring is often not far behind. In fact, one of the leading factors that cause snoring is age. Some researchers believe that the skin in an individual’s throat begins to lose elasticity as it ages. When this happens, there is a better likelihood that the skin will relax during sleep and cause the airway to be restricted.

One of the most serious causes of snoring is a disorder known as sleep apnea. If left untreated, this ailment may lead to more serious medical conditions, such as heart problems, a stroke or other illness. The signs of sleep apnea include excessive and loud snoring, pauses between breathes during sleep, awakening during the night with a feeling of choking or difficulty breathing, etc. An individual who suffers from sleep apnea may notice one or all of the aforementioned symptoms due to the fact that, with this illness, the airway becomes completely blocked and may actually cause the sufferer to stop breathing on one or more occasions throughout the night. The only way to properly diagnose sleep apnea is with the help of a physician and, quite often, a sleep study.

Typically ordered by a physician, a sleep study is designed to diagnose the exact cause of snoring. During this test, the sufferer spends one night at a sleep center, where he/she is regularly monitored in order to detect any abnormal breathing or snoring patterns. The results are then given to a physician, who will make the final diagnosis and recommend the best course of treatment.

This article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional medical advice relating to snoring. Before beginning any treatment for snoring, individuals must consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and recommended treatment.

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