- • Snoring is caused by air moving through narrow or blocked airway pasages.
- • Snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea, a serious health condition.
- • Your anatomy changes when you lay down and if any related structures are abnormally enlarged, your airway may become blocked.
- • This causes brief periods where you stop breathing (apnea) and your brain wakes you up to breathe.
- • The cycle can be repeated throughout the night and you may feel tired after sleeping all night, wake up with a headache, feel sleepy or even fall asleep during the day.
- • You could experience problems with memory and concentration or become irritable.
- • Sleep apnea increases your risk of developing other health problems such as high blood pressure, heart attack, heart failure, stroke and even sexual dysfunction.
- • If you snore, you may be disrupting your sleep partner’s rest and this can strain your relationship.
There are a range of treatment options we can offer to help you get a good night’s sleep. In order to determine the most effective treatment, our doctor will start with a thorough exam of your mouth, nose and throat. A sleep study may be ordered to determine which treatment will be the best option for you.
Changing a few habits may help to decrease your snoring and minimize the apnea episodes.
- Sleep on your side.
This may reduce the airway blockage. You can try putting round objects in a sock such as tennis balls to keep you from rolling onto your back. - Lose weight.
Excess weight affects the size and rigidness of the related structures. Consider a Weight Watcher program to offer more support and increase your opportunity to be successful. - Avoid Alcohol and certain Medications.
Some antihistamines, sedatives, and sleeping pills can relax your throat muscles even more so thus making your snoring and apnea worse. Avoid alcohol 3 to 4 hours before bedtime. - Open Nasal Passages.
If you have nasal breathing issues, try nasal strips.
Treatment Options:
Air Pressure Treatment
CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) A mask attached to a portable air pump machine generates air pressure which holds the airway open and pushes the tissues aside so you can breathe better.
Surgical Treatment
UPPP (Uvulopharyngopalatoplasty): This involves surgical trimming of the palate and possible removal of the tonsils. Nasal surgery may also be recommended if the septum is deviated to one side and/or if the turbinates are enlarged).
A Modified Procedure involving removal of a portion of the soft palate and uvula can be performed in the office.
Note: prior to any treatment options being prescribed, a thorough exam and possible overnight oxygen monitoring study and/or sleep study may be necessary.