The Statistics

Study finds that 35% of normal adults snore at least occasionally and 20% are habitual snorers. Snoring was found to be prevalent in males and overweight persons and what makes it even worse is that it grows with age. It is a recognized sleep disorder that could seriously affect both the snorer and the persons with whom the snorer shares the same bedroom. The foregoing problems will show why it is important to address this sleeping disorder with the right snoring solutions.

The possible problems

Sleep deprivation is one of the common resulting problems that adversely affect the snorer and those around him. When a person is deprived of a few hours of sleep the result will likely be daytime drowsiness, irritability, lack of focus as well as decreased libido, in addition to more complex conditions including sleep apnea. All of these have immense impact on a person’s lifestyle.

People who are deprived of sleep were found to be less productive, their decision-making may also be affected, social and marital relations may suffer impairment. This could potentially bring an individual to an unhealthy and unhappy state of life.

Determining the severity of the problem

Snoring diagnosis may vary as the causes also vary among the range of possible snorers. Typically, a particular issue is often identified by conducting a sleep study. It is also possible for patients and their partners to evaluate their own condition based on the level of their breathing difficulties. However, the safest way to determine the cause and remedy to this problem is to visit your ENT Specialist.

Taking the right steps

As one’s physical and interpersonal health are at risks, treatment must be undertaken to correct the problem and ultimately improve the lifestyle of your snoring partner or family member.

Waging war against snoring will definitely require the right weapon that helps target the root of the problem. Below are some of the relatively advanced snoring devices that are found to be useful in the treatment of this sleep problem:

1. Mandibular Advancement Splint – Mandibular splint or mandibular advancement splint (MAS) is a dental appliance especially designed to be worn in the mouth. This anti-snoring device is used to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea or OSA. It is often used to treat mild to moderate sleep apnea by slightly pushing the lower jaw forward to tighten the soft tissue and muscles of the upper airway and keep it from getting obstructed during sleep. Splints are non-invasive, reversible and generally accepted by many patients. In fact, such oral devices are considered good therapy. They are widely used in the United States and their popularity is beginning to spread in the United Kingdom and the Middle East.

2. The Pillar Procedure

It is a slightly invasive treatment for snoring and sleep apnea that is specifically caused by vibration of the soft palate.  3-6 Dacron strips are inserted into the soft palate via specialized syringe and local anesthetic. After the brief operation which usually takes no more than 30 minutes, the soft palate becomes stiff reducing snoring and sleep apnea. Should there be other causes of snoring, this procedure may need to be combined with other treatments.

3. Nasal Sprays and Decongestants

As snoring can be caused by a congested nasal airway, treatments such as nasal sprays and sinus/nasal decongestants that contain a combination of pseudoephedrine and domperidone may also show good results in reducing snoring caused by nasal congestion.

4. Natural Snoring Remedies

Although, the above mentioned snoring cures can help bring back a healthy lifestyle, natural remedies are also good weapons against the mild causes. Physical exercises, acupuncture, change of bed position and herbal pills are all good forms that naturally alleviate snoring.

For non-snoring partners

If you’re extremely bothered and are not getting enough sleep, using of earplugs and white noise machines can greatly help in coping with a partner who is going through anti-snoring treatments.