What is snoring?
Snoring is the sound that occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in your throat. This can make a harsh noise, called snoring, that happens to nearly everyone. Some people have chronic snoring, which means it happens often.It might be a sign of a serious health condition. If your partner snores, it can be a nuisance.
Lifestyle changes such as dieting, avoiding alcohol in the evening, and sleeping on your side can help stop snoring.
There are medical devices and surgery that may reduce the severity of snoring. However, these options are not suitable for everyone who snores.
Explanation of medical terms and concepts Snoring
Snoring happens once one thing restricts your flowing throughout sleep. Loud or semipermanent snoring will increase the chance of heart failure, stroke and alternative health issues. you'll be able to stop snoring by losing weight and avoiding alcohol before bed. If snoring keeps you awake or disrupts your partner’s sleep, ask your supplier regarding treatments.
Snoring happens once air can’t flow simply through the mouth or nose. Once the air is forced through a blocked space, soft tissues within the mouth, nose and throat encounter one another and vibrate. The vibrations build a rattling, snorting or gurgling sound.
Snoring will interrupt sleep. Loud, semi permanent (chronic) snoring will be a symptom of a significant disorder known as preventative sleep disorder. a large variety of surgical and nonsurgical treatments will stop or cut back snoring.
Snoring is extremely common. Anyone will snore at some purpose in their life. It’s a lot common in men over fifty United Nations agency square measure overweight or fat.
and Sleep Apnea The physical differences in the size length and weight of men’s and women’s upper airway structures contribute to many of the symptoms differentiating snoring from sleep apnea But there are also gender-specific characteristics that affect breathing during sleep: Men tend to have more neck and jaw muscle mass than women which can cause a more restrictive airway Also when asleep women often will turn their heads to one side or another (a condition known as positional or obstructive sleep apnea) which does not occur with men
The No 1 complaint of bed partners of snorers is not being able to get a good night’s sleep. People who snore also don’t get enough restful sleep which means they aren't getting the rejuvenating benefits that come with proper sleep. They're tired and cranky so skip the naps! If you have trouble sleeping at night there are several ways to help cure your snoring Try one or all of these methods:
Symptoms Snoring
Sometimes people snore because they have a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).If you have any of the following symptoms, it's a good idea to see a doctor for further evaluation. -Having a hard time breathing during sleep -Continuing to breathe even after you stop breathing during sleep -Waking up frequently during the night to take deep breaths
Witnessed breathing pauses during sleep
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Difficulty concentrating
Morning headaches
Sore throat upon awakening
Restless sleep
Gasping or choking at night
High blood pressure
Chest pain at night
Your snoring is so loud it's keeping your partner up at night.
Some children have problems paying attention or doing well in school because of their age.
OSA often is characterized by loud snoring followed by periods of silence when breathing stops or nearly stops. Eventually, this reduction or pause in breathing may signal you to wake up and you may awaken with a loud snort or gasping sound.
It is possible to experience disrupted sleep because of the way you breathe. This pattern of short, shallow breaths may be repeated many times during the night.
People with obstructive sleep apnea usually experience periods during sleep when breathing becomes slow or stops at least five times during every hour of sleep.
When to see a doctor
If you have any of the following symptoms, see a doctor: difficulty breathing at night; feeling restless during the day; loud snoring; fatigue. This may be an indication that you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
If your child snores, ask your pediatrician about it. Children can also have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Problems with the nose and throat, such as enlarged tonsils or obesity, can narrow a child's airway which can lead to your child developing OSA.
Causes Snoring
Snoring can be the result of a number of factors, including the anatomy of your mouth and sinuses, alcohol consumption, allergies, a cold, and your weight.
When you fall asleep and transition from a light sleep to a deep sleep, the muscles in your mouth (soft palate), tongue, and throat relax. This can allow your tissues in your throat to partially block your airway and cause them to vibrate.
The narrower your airway is, the more forceful the airflow becomes. This increases the vibration of your tissues, which makes your snoring louder.
The following conditions can cause snoring: 1. Sleeping in a position that causes your head to rest on the pillow incorrectly. 2. Breathing through your mouth while you are sleeping. 3. Having a narrow or enlarged airway.
Your mouth anatomy. Having a low thick soft palate can restrict your airway. People who are overweight may have extra tissues in their throats that may obstruct airflow. Likewise, if the triangular piece of tissue hanging from the soft palate (uvula) is elongated, airflow can be obstructed and vibrations can cause problems. The amount of decoupage will increase.
Alcohol consumption.People who snore may do so because they have drunk too much alcohol before bedtime. Alcohol relaxes the throat muscles and makes it easier for air to get blocked in the throat.
Nasal problems.If you have chronic nasal congestion or a crooked partition between your nostrils (a deviated nose septum), that may be a contributing factor to your snoring.
Sleep deprivation.If you don't get enough sleep, your throat will become more relaxed.
Sleep position.It is typically most difficult to stop snoring when sleeping on the back, because gravity affects the throat in a way that narrows the airway.
Risk factors Snoring
Some factors that may contribute to snoring include:
Being a man.Men are more likely to snore or experience sleep apnea than are women.
Being overweight.People who are overweight or obese are more likely to have sleep problems, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
Having a narrow airway.People with a long soft palate, large tonsils, or adenoids may have a difficult time breathing and may snore.
Drinking alcohol.Alcohol will relax your throat muscles, increasing the risk of snoring.
Having nasal problems.If you have a structural defect in your airway, such as a deviated septum or your nose is chronically congested, your risk of snoring is greater.
If you have a family history of snoring or obstructive sleep apnea, you may be at an increased risk for this condition.OSA is a potential risk factor for hereditary factors.
Complications
Snoring may be more than just a nuisance. It can also disrupt the sleep of someone who shares a bed with you if snoring is associated with obstructive sleep apnea. You may be at risk for other complications, such as:
Daytime sleepiness
Frequent frustration or anger
Difficulty concentrating
Picking olives can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart conditions, and stroke.
Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea have an increased risk of developing behavior problems, such as aggression or difficulty learning.
A lack of sleep increases the risk of getting into a car accident.
Diagnosis Snoring
Your doctor will look at your signs and symptoms and your medical history to diagnose your condition. They may also do a physical examination.
Your doctor may ask your partner some questions about when and how often your child snores in order to assess the severity of the problem. If you snore, you'll be asked about how severe your snoring is.
Imaging
Your doctor may request an imaging test such as an X-ray, computed tomography scan, or magnetic resonance imaging. These tests check the structure of your airway to see if there are any problems.
Sleep study
If your doctor thinks you may have sleep apnea, he or she may order a sleep study. Sleep studies can sometimes be done at home.
Depending on the other medical problems and sleep symptoms you may need to stay overnight at a sleep center for an in-depth analysis of your breathing during sleep, called a polysomnography.
You will be connected to many sensors during a polysomnography study. During the study, the following information will be recorded:
Brain waves
Blood oxygen level
Heart rate
Breathing rate
Sleep stages
Eye and leg movements
Treatment Snoring
Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes in order to treat your snoring. These changes may include:
Losing weight
Avoiding alcohol close to bedtime
Treating nasal congestion
Avoiding sleep deprivation
Avoiding sleeping on your back
If you have snoring accompanied by obstructive sleep apnea, your doctor may suggest some treatments.
Oral appliances.Dental appliances are devices that help advance your jaw and soft palate so that your air passage stays open.
If you decide to use an oral appliance, you'll work with your dental specialist to make sure the appliance is a good fit and in the right position. You'll also need to see your sleep specialist to make sure the appliance is working as intended. Dental visits may be necessary at least once every six months. It is important to have your oral health checked at least once a year during the first year, and then at least annually after that.
Wearing devices that produce excessive saliva can lead to dry mouth, jaw pain, and facial discomfort.CPAP is a treatment for sleep apnea, which is a medical condition in which people stop breathing during sleep.This method involves wearing a mask while you sleep. The mask directs pressurized air from a small bedside pump to your airway to keep it open during sleep.
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) helps to stop snoring and is most often used to treat snoring when it is associated with obstructive sleep apnea.
Some people find CPAP to be the most reliable and effective way of treating OSA, but it may be uncomfortable or difficult for some to adjust to the noise or feeling of the machine.Upper airway surgery.Various techniques are used to open the upper airway and prevent its narrowing during sleep.
For example, in a procedure called uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) you are given general anesthetics and your surgeon tightens and trims excess tissues from your throat - this is a type of face-lift for your throat. Another procedure called maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) involves moving the lower jaw forward - this can improve your speech. To open the airway, the upper and lower jaws should be forward. Radiofrequency tissue ablation uses a low-intensity radiofrequency signal to reduce tissue in the soft palate, tongue, or nose.
This newer surgical technique uses a stimulus to the nerve that controls movement of the tongue so you can take a breath without obstructing your airway.
The success of these surgeries varies and it can be challenging to predict the response.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Some tips to help with snoring include:
If you're overweight, lose weight.If someone is overweight, they may have extra tissues in their throat that contribute to snoring. Losing weight can help reduce snoring.
Sleep on your side.Sleeping on your side decreases the risk of obstructing your airway. Lying on your back allows your tongue to fall backward into your throat, which can narrow your airway. If you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night with difficulty breathing, try sewing a tennis ball into the back of your pajama top in case it falls out during sleep.
Raise the head of your bed.Raising the head of your bed by about 4 inches might help.
A nasal strip or an external nasal dilator may be used.Some people use adhesive strips to help increase the size of their nasal passages. A nasal dilator is a stiffened adhesive strip that is applied externally across the nose, which may decrease the resistance to airflow, making it easier for you to breathe.External nasal dilators are not effective for people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, but other treatments may be helpful.
Treat nasal congestion or obstruction.Having allergies or a deviated septum can limit your airflow through your nose, which can make you more likely to snore.
If you have chronic congestion, speak to your doctor about a prescription steroid spray. This may correct a structural defect in your airway that requires surgery.Limit or avoid alcohol and sedatives.Don't drink alcoholic beverages two hours before bedtime and let your doctor know if you snore. Drinking alcohol and sedatives depress the central nervous system, which causes excessive relaxation of muscles in your throat. This can lead to trouble breathing.
Quit smoking.Smoking cessation can reduce snoring as well as a host of other health benefits.
Get enough sleep.Adults should aim to get at least seven hours of sleep each night. This varies depending on a person's age, but preschool-aged children should get 10 to 13 hours of sleep each day. School-aged children need nine to 12 hours of sleep each day, and teens should have 8 to 10 hours of sleep each day.
Alternative medicine
There are many products available to treat snoring. However, most of these products have not been proven effective in clinical trials.
Coping and support
If you're the one who's snoring, your partner may sometimes feel frustrated and tired too. Some of the home remedies mentioned might help to quiet your partner's nighttime noises, but if that doesn't work you may want to take them to see a doctor.
If you can't sleep because your spouse snores, you may be able to get more sleep by using ear plugs or background noise such as a white noise machine or fan.
Preparing for your appointment
You may see your family doctor or a general practitioner first. If necessary, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in treating sleep disorders.
It is a good idea to arrive prepared for your appointment, since appointments can be brief and there is often a lot to discuss. Here are some information resources to help you get ready for your visit and what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do
Record any symptoms you're experiencing.Make sure to bring any symptoms or concerns that you may have related to your appointment along with you. Ask your partner to describe what he or she hears or notices when you're sleeping.
Ask your sleep partner to go with you to your appointment so that he or she can talk to your doctor about what you are experiencing.Make a list of all medications,Make sure to tell your doctor if you're taking any vitamins or supplements.
Write down questions to ask your doctor.
You may only have a limited amount of time to see your doctor, so it is important to prepare an agenda of questions. Some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
Why do I snore when I sleep?
Can snoring be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea?
What kinds of tests do I need?
What happens during a sleep test?
How can snoring be treated and which treatments do you recommend?
What are the possible side effects of treatment?
Do you have any other suggestions for how to do this project?
Can anything be done on my own to help me stop snoring?
I have other health conditions. What are some tips for managing them together?
Can I take any brochures or printed material with me when I leave? What websites do you think I should visit?
Do not hesitate to ask questions during your appointment. You may also want to prepare some questions to ask your doctor.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor may ask you a number of questions. Being prepared to answer them may help you save time by moving quickly to discuss any points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask: -What are your symptoms? -How long have you been feeling this way? -Do you have any other health problems? -Have you been tested for any diseases? -Do you have a history of allergies? -Have you had any surgeries or treatments
When did you first begin snoring?
Can you tell me if you snore every night or just sometimes?
Do you often wake up during the night?
Does anything seem to help improve your snoring?
What should I do if my snoring seems to worsen?
Does the position you sleep in affect the noise you make when you snore?
How loudly are you snoring? Does your snoring bother your bed partner? Can your snoring be heard from outside the bedroom?
Do you ever have pauses or irregularities in your breathing when you are asleep?
Can you wake yourself up by snorting or gasping?
What are the daytime symptoms you are experiencing such as tiredness?
What you can do in the meantime
Here are some things you can do while you're waiting to see your doctor:
Do not drink alcohol or take sedatives before bedtime. This will help you to get a good night's sleep.
You can try over-the-counter nasal strips.
Instead of sleeping on your back, sleep on your side to reduce the risk of heart disease.
If you have nasal congestion, try using over-the-counter decongestants for a day or two.
General summary
Snoring is caused by the narrowing of your airway during sleep When obstructions occur snorers’ airways vibrate and cause sounds that range from soft rumbles to loud snores Lifestyle factors such as drinking alcohol or smoking or obstruction from being overweight can all increase the chance of snoring However there are many things you can do in order to stop snoring naturally without the use of drugs or surgery Let’s discuss some specific methods that may help you and those around you get a peaceful night's sleep
What medicine is good for snoring?
When it comes to snoring our first advice is always to try and get in shape Being overweight or obese can cause the soft palate uvula and tongue to collapse into each other when you lie down which leads to a narrowing of the airway Keeping those areas clear can help reduce the noise made during sleep and make it easier for you to breathe more easily There are also some over-the-counter medications that will help ease your snoring but they shouldn't be used on an ongoing basis because they can leave you feeling groggy in the morning -- making them hard to use as a solution for
What exercises stop snoring?
While snoring doesn’t necessarily require treatment it can get louder and more frequent as people age Chronic snoring may be evidence of sleep apnea a dangerous disorder that needs to be treated by a doctor immediately because it can lead to high blood pressure heart disease and stroke Fortunately you don’t have to live with snoring or sleep apnea forever Several exercises help relieve the symptoms associated with these conditions and improve overall breathing during sleep
How do you stop someone from snoring so fast?
1. The most effective way is to have the person sleep on their side or stomach This reduces the soft palate from falling back and obstructing the nasal passages 2. Another method is to tape their mouth shut but this might be awkward in a relationship so avoid it if you can 3. The third option is to buy one of those special nose strips that help open up breathing pathways in your airway during sleep mostly keeping your nostrils clear all night long These are made by several companies including SomnoDent and ZQuiet Nose Strips (see links below)
Can you snore with your mouth closed?
Snoring can be a serious problem and is often to do with the state of sleep your body enters There are many factors that make snoring worse including environmental conditions medication or alcohol consumption While some people have consistent habits in terms of what makes their snoring worse there are general guidelines for things to avoid before bedtime Using a CPAP machine may even lead to an increase in sex drive as well as helping you lose weight!
Does Vicks help snoring?
Vicks VapoRub a medicated ointment that contains camphor and eucalyptus oil to relieve chest congestion has long been used to help people with colds breathe better However many people also use it for its ability to treat snoring The FDA does not recognize Vicks as a treatment for stopping snoring but claims that it can be effective at temporarily relieving symptoms of stuffy nose caused by colds or allergies Moreover it is commonly believed that the active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub cause users' throats to constrict which could reduce the vibrations causing snoring There have
What tea is good for snoring?
There are several herbal remedies for snoring Many of them including spearmint and hibiscus teas are touted as having antioxidant properties to keep your body in good health Some kinds of tea such as green tea and rooibos (also called "red tea," which is made from the Aspalathus linearis plant) are caffeine free and provide minerals like iron magnesium and potassium Rooibos in particular has been used traditionally South Africa to reduce inflammation due to allergies or asthma Because these teas have a mild flavor they can be added to hot water before bedtime without interfering with
What to drink before bed to stop snoring?
To stop snoring you need to keep the throat muscle relaxed so avoid drinking before bedtime Alcohol helps make you fall asleep but it tends to dry out your mouth and produce more saliva making snoring worse Coffee is also a no-no after midday because caffeine remains in the body for many hours and will cause restlessness at night You might be surprised to learn that most of us don’t drink nearly enough water during the day – between 10 and 17 glasses throughout the day - so we recommend that you try increasing your intake of water before going to sleep