Snoring at night? You are not alone. Singapore ranked the third noisiest snoring city across the world, in according to a UK survey (sleepseeker.co.uk 2021). While there is no single cause for snoring, some factors are more likely to contribute to the condition than others. For example, men typically have narrower air passages than women. While physical attributes like these can contribute to the problem, there are some lifestyle changes that can reduce snoring. Other potential causes of snoring include problems with the nose or sinuses. Some medications, including tranquilizers, can worsen the condition.
Fortunately, most cases of snoring are harmless. In many cases, snoring does not cause any ill effects, but when it becomes so loud that a person is constantly woken up by the snorer, it can result in sleep deprivation and fatigue. Snoring is known to strain relationships as well, with a spouse who has to relocate to another room to get a decent night's rest.
Common Causes of Snoring
Obstructive sleep apnea is a potential cause of snoring, though not everyone who snores has this disorder. Other warning signs include paused breathing during sleep, restless sleep, and gasping or even choking during sleep. Even worse, poor sleep is associated with heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. It can also contribute to dementia. In addition, snoring can cause a person to have difficulties focusing and concentrating during the day.
Have a Sleep Study
Besides snoring, there are also several medical conditions that can cause sleep apnea. A doctor can help you find out whether you have a problem with your airways or not. Having a sleep study performed by an ear, nose, and throat specialist can help you identify the problem and the best treatment for it. And if all else fails, surgery can be an option.
While there are no specific treatment options for snoring, some people opt for mouth devices made for snoring. These mouth devices are similar to an athlete's mouth guard and work by opening the airway. A dentist can also make such appliances for you. Some individuals also use a nasal decongestant to improve breathing while sleeping. These treatments can be helpful if you are overweight, but not the only solution. You should also avoid sleeping on your back, as this causes the tongue to fall back into the throat, narrowing the airway. You can also consider sewing a tennis ball into your pajama top as a way to prevent sleeping on your back.
Treatments for Snoring
Some treatments for snoring involve removing excess body fat. Losing weight helps reduce excess body fat in the neck and airway, which leads to snoring. You should avoid alcohol and cigarettes three hours before bedtime. Using a nasal resistance valve to regulate airflow into the nose is another possible treatment for snoring, but it is often not effective. These products are expensive and only work if you're experiencing moderate to severe snoring.
In more serious cases, surgery can be a solution. An advanced surgery called Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) can remove excess tissue from the soft palate or nose to widen the airway. The surgery, while it may not be permanent, can be effective in reducing the occurrence of snoring and avoiding chronic snoring. If you suspect that you have a condition that causes snoring, see a doctor to discuss your treatment options.
The Air Station Home-based Sleep Study with Report Interpretation
If you snore, you can consider a sleep study. The Air Station offers you the innovative home-based sleep study in the comfort of your home, with report interpretation after the sleep study. The report will help determine if a particular treatment, such as positive airway pressure therapy is working properly for you.
Learn more about The Air Station home-based sleep study by calling our customer care line at (65) 6265 5608 or visit the website to chat with us and schedule a home-based sleep study:
The Air Station
11 Lorong 3 Toa Payoh
#01-13 Jackson Square (Block B)
Singapore 319579 Tel: +65 6265 5608 WWW.THEAIRSTATION.COM