Snoring is a sound that occurs during sleep due to the vibration of the tissues of the upper respiratory tract. This is a common phenomenon faced by many people. Snoring can not only interfere with quality sleep, but also affect overall health and quality of life. In this article, we will look at a few of the doctors’ recommendations for treating snoring.
How to get rid of snoring?
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Certain habits and lifestyle choices can cause or increase snoring. Doctors recommend the following measures:
- Avoid alcohol and sedatives before bed. These substances can relax muscles and increase the likelihood of snoring.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can make snoring worse because excess fat can compress the airways and make it difficult to ventilate properly.
- Get regular exercise. Physical activity helps maintain muscle tone and improve respiratory function, which can help reduce snoring.
- Avoid smoking and passive smoking. Smoking can cause inflammation and swelling of the upper airways, making snoring worse.
- Changing posture and sleeping position: Sometimes snoring is related to the position of the body when sleeping. Doctors recommend the following measures:
- Sleep on your side. The supine position can contribute to airway obstruction and increased snoring. Try sleeping on your side to improve ventilation and reduce the chance of snoring.
- Pillow with increased support. Using a pillow with increased neck support can help maintain optimal airway position and reduce snoring.
- Avoid overly high or soft pillows. These pillows can compress the airways and increase snoring.
- Use of appliances and equipment: In cases of snoring associated with more serious airway problems, doctors may recommend the use of special appliances:
- Continuous positive airway pressure apparatus (APAP). To treat sleep apnea or other serious breathing problems during sleep, doctors may recommend using ANAP, which keeps the airways open.
- Devices to eliminate snoring. Some special devices, such as special nasal stretchers or tongue positioners, can help reduce snoring and make breathing easier.
- Consultation with a doctor: If snoring becomes chronic and interferes with normal sleep or quality of life, it is important to see a doctor to diagnose and determine the most appropriate treatment. The doctor will be able to analyze the symptoms, assess the causes of snoring and prescribe appropriate treatment measures.
Why does snoring occur?
Snoring can be caused by various factors and diseases related to the respiratory system or other body systems. Here are some of the most common illnesses that can be associated with snoring:
- Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is a serious breathing disorder that causes you to stop breathing during sleep. People with sleep apnea often snore loudly and wake up periodically to regain normal breathing. This condition can be caused by an upper airway obstruction such as enlargement of the adenoids or tonsils, excess weight, or structural features of the face and neck.
- Sleep and sleep disorders: In addition to sleep apnea, other sleep disorders such as hypopnea and respiratory arrhythmias may be associated with snoring. These disorders may occur due to a disorder of the central nervous system, hyperreactivity of the airways, or other factors.
- Upper Respiratory Diseases: Some diseases and conditions associated with the upper respiratory tract can cause snoring. This may include chronic runny nose, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, adenoids, or tonsils, which can interfere with normal ventilation and cause tissue vibration.
- Obesity: Being overweight and obese can contribute to snoring. Excess fat in the neck and throat can put pressure on the airways, causing airway obstruction and snoring.
- Alcohol and sedatives: Drinking alcohol and sedatives before bed can relax the muscles and tissues in the airways, leading to more snoring.
- Structural features: Some people may have anatomical features such as a soft or long palatine arch, narrow airways, large tongue, or soft palate hypertrophy that may contribute to snoring.
It is important to note that snoring can have multiple causes at the same time. If snoring does not disappear or is accompanied by other serious symptoms, it is recommended to see a doctor to diagnose and determine the cause of snoring. The doctor will be able to conduct the necessary studies and prescribe the appropriate treatment, depending on the factors found.
Snoring can be not only annoying, but also indicate the presence of more serious problems with the respiratory system. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if snoring does not disappear or is accompanied by other diseases. By following your doctor’s recommendations, you can reduce snoring and promote better sleep and overall health.