Snore No More

Snore No More

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Snoring is a common problem in adults and is not necessarily a sign of an underlying medical condition.

Sometimes, however, snoring can indicate a more serious sleeping disorder called sleep apnea. Individuals who have sleep apnea stop breathing for 10 to 30 seconds at a time during sleep. The episode is often followed by an abrupt snorting or gasping when breathing resumes. This cycle generally happens many times a night.

It is estimated that more than 12 million Americans have sleep apnea. Men, people who are overweight, or over 40 years old are more likely to have sleep apnea, but it can affect anyone at any age. Other risk factors include congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and high-risk driving populations (such as commercial truck drivers.) Diagnosis of sleep apnea is made by a comprehensive sleep history and verified by doing a sleep study either at home or in a hospital setting. Snoring is a significant social problem. Persons who share a bed with a someone who snores can develop sleep difficulties of their own.

Causes

In most individuals, the reason for snoring is simply not known. Some possible causes (other than sleep apnea) include:

Obesity, leading to excessive neck tissue that applies pressure on the airways
Last month of pregnancy
Sinus congestion from colds or allergies, especially if it lasts a long time
Swelling of the soft palate or uvula, the piece of tissue that hangs down at the back of the throat
Swollen adenoids and tonsils that can block the airways
Use of sleeping pills, antihistamines, or alcohol at bedtime
Thickened base of the tongue

The tips below might help reduce snoring:

Refrain from using alcohol and other sedatives at bedtime.
Don't sleep flat on your back. Sleep on your side, as much as possible. Some sleep sufferers will even sew a golf or tennis ball into the back of the night clothes. This causes discomfort should you roll over and helps remind you to remain on your side. Ultimately, sleeping on your side becomes a habit and you won't need to be reminded.
Lose weight, if you are overweight.
Try over-the-counter, nasal strips which widen the nostrils. (These are not meant as treatments for sleep apnea.)

When you should Speak to a Medical Professional

If you have:

Excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, recent weight gain, awakening in the morning not feeling rested, or change in your level of attention, concentration, or memory'
Episodes of stopped breathing (apnea) -- your partner may need to tell you if this is occurring
Children with chronic snoring should also be assessed for apnea. Sleep apnea in children has been linked to development problems, ADHD, poor school performance, learning difficulties, bedwetting, and high blood pressure. Most children who snore do NOT have apnea, but a sleep study is the only reliable way to tell .


Treatment options include:

Dental devices to prevent the tongue from falling back and obstructing the airway
Weight loss
CPAP mask (a device you wear on the nose while sleeping to decrease snoring and sleep apnea)
Surgical procedures to correct problems with your palate, a deviated septum or remove tonsils (tonsillectomy)

About the Author:
Lawrence Earl, MD
TheSleepApneaRx.com



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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