Causes of and Treatments for Snoring

Snoring is often associated with humor in television and films, but for those who experience the effects of snoring, it is no laughing matter. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, snoring is a very common occurrence that affects at least 45 percent of adults. With the proper information, there are many ways to combat snoring, and either lessen the effects of this annoying habit or eliminate it entirely.

What is Snoring?

• Snoring occurs when there is a blockage in the throat or the nasal passages, affecting the flow of air. In many people, the areas in the throat, mouth, and nose become limited and narrow during sleep, which causes the tissues and structures in those areas to vibrate against each other. These include the throat, soft palate, tongue, uvula, adenoids, and sometimes the tonsils.

Causes of Snoring

• Snoring can be brought on by many different factors, which tend to vary from person to person. Some of these include allergies, colds, enlarged tonsils, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, being overweight, older age, and sleep posture.

Effects of Snoring

• Snoring has been linked with increased risk of diabetes.

  Snoring is not merely an annoyance; it can affect many areas of your life. Snoring intrudes upon regular sleep patterns, and can result in a serious condition known as sleep apnea. During sleep apnea, breathing stops and breaths are missed during sleep. Another significant but often overlooked effect of snoring is the impact that it has on sex lives. A large number couples resort to sleeping in separate rooms owing to the loud sound produced during snoring. Many couples experiencing the effects of snoring have less energy, and therefore less desire for intimacy.

Treatments for Snoring

• Treatments for snoring vary depending on the severity of the case.

  Treatments for snoring depend on its severity. Changes in behavior are the most obvious option, but can also be the most difficult. Losing weight, quitting smoking, and changing sleeping posture are only a few ways to combat snoring. A variety of oral devices are available to attenuate snoring. Many of these devices adjust the jaw during sleep, providing relief for many sufferers. There are a significant number of over-the-counter snoring treatments available, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has over 300 listed. However, it is important to thoroughly research products of interest before buying to ensure a worthwhile purchase. For extreme cases, there is a surgery available called uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. This procedure expands airways and tightens loose tissues in the throat and palate.