Snoring

Approximately 90 million Americans snore.recliner while "watching" the game, but snoring is no joke.
 
Snoring is often a symptom of a more serious health problem like sleep apnea or carotid atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the main arteries of the neck) which could cause a stroke.  Snoring  may disrupt your own and your bed partner’s sleep, leaving you groggy and unrefreshed the next day.
 
What is snoring anyway?

While you sleep, the muscles of your throat relax, your tongue falls backward, and your throat becomes narrow and “floppy.” As you breathe, the walls of your throat begin to vibrate – generally when you breathe in, but also, to a lesser extent, when you breathe out. These vibrations lead to the characteristic sound of snoring. The narrower your airway becomes, the greater the vibration and the louder you snore. Sometimes the walls of the throat collapse completely so that it is completely closed, creating a condition called apnea (cessation of breathing). This is a serious condition which requires medical attention.

How can I stop snoring?
People who suffer mild or occasional snoring but wake up feeling refreshed, and function well during the day may first try the following before consulting their doctor:

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Avoid tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and antihistamines before bedtime
  • Avoid alcohol at least four hours before bedtime
  • Avoid heavy meals or snacks three hours before retiring
  • Establish regular sleeping patterns
  • Sleep on your side rather than your back
 When should I talk to my doctor about snoring?

Consult your doctor if you snore and have any of the following symptoms or signs:

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Morning headaches
  • Recent weight gain
  • Waking in the morning not feeling rested
  • Waking at night feeling confused
  • Change in your level of attention, concentration, or memory
  • Observed pauses in breathing during sleep

If your physician believes that your snoring is not a symptom of more serious sleep disordered breathing problem, an oral appliance can be used to quiet your snoring and improve the sleep of your bed partner! Many a couple heve been brought back to the same bedroom by eliminating snoring.

Since snoring is currently viewed as a “cosmetic” issue by insurance companies, your insurance will usually not help with the cost of your care.  However, snoring is often a symptom of sleep apnea or upper airway resistance syndrome.  Our doctors recommend an evaluation by a knowledgeable sleep specialist, ENT or neurologist prior to any treatment for snoring.

Is it normal for my child to snore?

Some children snore occasionally, particularly when they are in their deeper stages of sleep. However, extremely loud and regular snoring may be a sign of a cold or allergy, or in about one to three percent of children, it could be a symptom of sleep apnea. If your child’s loud snoring is accompanied by gasps for breath, consult your pediatrician.

Sleep Matters, Fall 2008, Vol. 10, Issue 3, P.16