Even
a light case of snoring can be a nuisance, but when a person
suffers from chronic snoring not only are their sleep patterns
affected, but their lives are as well. The constant disruption
of sleep leaves them feeling tired and irritable during
the day and aggravated and anxious during the night. If
the person has a sleeping partner, then that person is also
negatively affected. For anyone who has suffered from or
lived with someone who suffers from chronic snoring, you
know that sleep deprivation is no picnic. Most people do
not realize that certain types of snoring can cause high
blood pressure, heart disease and increase the risk of a
stroke as well.
Since most of us will snorea t some point in our lives (yes,
even the women and children), how can you tell when you’ve
left the normal behind and entered into the world of chronic
snoring? If you’re snoring because you have a cold
or allergies, that’s normal. Pregnant women tend to
snore. That’s normal too. If you snore when laying
in a certain position but not in other positions, that’s
also normal. When you find that you snore in any position
and on most nights, regardless of how many times your partner
has nudged you, you may have a chronic snoring problem or
even be suffering from a potentially life-threatining condition
called 'Sleep Apnea'.
There are some things you can try to help alleviate the
snoring and get a better night’s sleep. First, if
you’re overweight, losing weight will help since obesity
is one of the leading causes of snoring. Sleep on your side
and without a pillow which will help to improve your airflow.
Avoid eating heavy foods or drinking alcohol right before
going to bed. Food and alcohol tend to relax your muscles,
making snoring more likely. Quit smoking and avoid being
exposed to second-hand smoke. Smoking creates mucus and
congestion. If nasal congestion is a problem, try using
a decongestant before bed.
If you have tried these non-medical approaches to controlling
chronic snoring and they haven't helped, medical treatment
may be indicated. Surgery, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
(CPAP) machines and a variety of dental and oral devices
are some of the options available to you.
One of the newest treatment methods is called the “Pillar
Procedure”. This is a less invasive, FDA approved
procedure that is being used by forward-thinking doctors
like Dallas-based Dr.’s Jennifer Jordan and Dwight
Lee, experts in the field of chronic snoring and sleep apnea.
The Pillar Procedure can be completed
in one office visit and is considerably less invasive than
other surgical options. During the procedure, three small
woven inserts are implanted in the soft palate of the mouth
to help reduce the vibrations that the soft palate gives
off during sleep. A noticeable reduction in chronic snoring
was reported among most patients. If chronic snoring is
an issue for you, check with your physician or contact Dr's
Jordan or Lee. If none of the non-medical options have given
you any relief, the Pillar Procedure may be just what the
doctor ordered!
|
