Snoring:
A Social and Medical Malady

The severity varies with the degree of obstruction, and can even cause sleep deprivation – not only for the person who snores, but for the person who shares the bed. Sleep deprivation, of course, can increase the risk of any occupation where workplace tiredness can lead to a disregard of safety guidelines.

Sleep apnea is a condition where a person stops breathing for 10 to 30 seconds at a time, due mainly to conditions related to snoring. Sleep apnea can contribute to heart disease, stroke and hypertension.

• Obesity tends to make breathing generally difficult.
• Enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids tend to block air passages.
• Blockage of nasal passages.
• As we age, the flesh and throat muscles tend to lose some of their elasticity and become flabby.
• Alcohol may relax the throat muscles, allowing fatty tissue in the throat area to sag and block airflow.
• Sleeping on your back allows the flesh of the throat to relax and block airways.

Treatment

Here are some remedies that can be tried before going for professional treatment:

• Place more pillows beneath the head, or sleep on a high firm pillow.
• Lose some weight. Lightening of neck tissues will prevent narrowing of the air passages.
• Alcohol or sleeping pills can cause the muscles to relax, which can constrict the air passages.
• Eat a light meal before bed.
• Avoid smoking. It may cause swelling and inflammation of the throat's lining.
• Take a face steam bath. Steam inhalation helps to open the airways.

Various surgical treatments are offered for snoring or obstructive sleep apnea:

• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): Surgery tightens flabby tissues in the throat and palate, and expands air passages.
• Thermal Ablation Palatoplasty (TAP): Procedures and techniques that treat snoring and various severities of obstructive sleep apnea.
• Genioglossus and hyod advancement: A surgical procedure that prevents collapse of the lower throat and pulls the tongue muscles forward, thereby opening the obstructed airway.

There are also devices to help alleviate excessive snoring. Among these are the mandibular advancement splint, which is a mouthpiece designed to force the airway stay open. A dental professional needs to fit it. There is also the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), where a nose mask is used to deliver positive pressured air directly to the windpipe.

Bottom line:There are a number of medical techniques available to combat this problem which been costing mankind so much sleep for so long. Do not think that you are suffering alone. And seek help in time.

For a complimentary examination appointment to check your mouth and teeth for any conditions that may be contributing to your snoring problem, please contact us online or call 650-965-1234.

We'll answer any questions you may have, and give you a free written estimate regarding costs and insurance benefits before you leave.

Call us today!

Dr. Burch