Snoring
is a problem for most people at some time in their lives.
Approximately 45% of normal adults snore occasionally and
about 25% of adults snore on a regular basis. Although snoring
often brings about a chuckle when the subject comes up in
day to day conversation, for those suffering from snoring
and the people subjected to it, it really isn’t a
laughing matter.
Snoring occurs when the flow of
air through the nasal passages at the back of the nose and
mouth become obstructed. The actual snoring noise that it
produces is a result of vibrations that occur when the soft
palate (top of the mouth) comes into contract with the uvula
(that thing that hangs down in the back of our throats).
A variety of things can cause this to occur. Poor muscle
tone in the tongue and throat, bulky throat tissue, a long
soft palate or uvula and obstructed nasal airways are some
of these causes. Other more serious causes can be a deviated
septum or some other form of nasal deformity. Whatever the
cause, most people who suffer from snoring would like to
stop, if for no other reason than getting a good night’s
rest.
The obvious physical aspects
of snoring and its inconveniences are just one part of the
issue. For many, there are social ramifications as well.
Quite often relationships suffer when a person’s sleeping
partner is forced to resort to sleeping in another room.
Sleep deprivation on a continuing basis leaves a person
irritable and anxious, prone to headaches and other uncomfortable
and mood altering conditions. If the sleep deprivation continues
on a long-term basis, it can lead to high blood pressure
and heart enlargement.
For those suffering from
chronic snoring, check with your doctor. Chronic snoring
can be a sign of a serious medical condition and should
be checked out immediately. If your snoring is more on the
occasional side there are some natural treatments you can
try to help alleviate the problem. Try sleeping on your
side, without a pillow, and with the head of your mattress
tilted up. If you’re overweight, lose some. Keep your
sleeping patterns regular and avoid eating and drinking
alcohol before bed.
If your problem is more chronic
in nature, a medical approach may be necessary. There are
a variety of dental and oral devices, as well as surgical
treatments that are an option. One such procedure, endorsed
by Dallas, TX sleep specialists Dr’s Jennifer Jordan
and Dwight Lee, is the Pillar Procedure. This procedure
is FDA approved and is done in one simple office visit.
This painless procedure involves inserting three tiny woven
inserts into the soft palate of the mouth effectively ending
the vibrations that occur during snoring. It is less invasive
than most surgeries and is about 80% effective.
Snoring is no laughing matter.
If you suffer from this condition, see your doctor. Only
a properly trained medical professional can determine the
cause of the snoring and advise you on what type of treatment
would work best for you.
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