Snoring is a common problem that affects millions of people around the world. It can be a nuisance to both the snorer and their partner, and it can even be a sign of a more serious sleep disorder. While there is no cure for snoring, there are a number of treatments that can help to reduce or eliminate it.

What is snoring?

Snoring is a sound that is produced when the soft tissues in the throat vibrate as you breathe in and out. This can happen when the tissues are relaxed, such as when you are asleep, or when they are irritated, such as when you have a cold or allergies. Snoring can vary in severity, from a soft rumble to a loud roar.

What are the causes of snoring?

There are a number of factors that can contribute to snoring, including:

Obesity: Excess weight can put pressure on the soft tissues in the throat, making them more likely to vibrate.

Alcohol consumption: Alcohol relaxes the muscles in the throat, which can lead to snoring.

Allergies: Allergies can cause inflammation in the nasal passages, which can make it more difficult to breathe and can lead to snoring.

Smoking: Smoking irritates the lining of the nose and throat, which can make snoring worse.

Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which the airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, causing snoring and pauses in breathing.

How can I treat snoring?

There are a number of things you can do to treat snoring, including:

Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol before bed, and sleeping on your side, can help to reduce or eliminate snoring.

Nasal sprays and decongestants: Nasal sprays and decongestants can help to open up the nasal passages, which can make it easier to breathe and reduce snoring.

Oral appliances: Oral appliances are devices that fit over the teeth and keep the airway open during sleep.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP): CPAP is a machine that delivers air pressure through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep.

Radio-surgery: This is an option for people with severe snoring that does not respond to other treatments.

What is radio-surgery?

This type of surgery employs radiofrequency waves produced by an Elman Surgitron to enhance nasal airflow and eliminate excessive soft palate vibrations. The procedure is completed under local anaesthetic and takes around 30 minutes. We offer this surgical procedure at our Wellington clinic. You can read more about this treatment here.

When should I see a doctor?

If you are concerned about your snoring, you should see a doctor. Your doctor can help you to determine the cause of your snoring and recommend the best treatment option for you.

Here are some additional tips for preventing snoring:

• Avoid sleeping on your back.
• Elevate the head of your bed.
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
• Get regular exercise.
• Quit smoking.

In conclusion, snoring is a common problem that can be treated with a variety of methods. If you are concerned about your snoring, talk to one of our specialists.

If you have any questions about our treatments, feel free to contact us.

Photo by Kinga Howard on Unsplash.