| Q: |
What is snoring?
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| A: |
Snoring is defined as a type of breathing during sleep
accompanied by harsh or hoarse sounds caused by the vibration of the
soft palate and other tissues at the back of the throat. Breathing
occurs through the open mouth and nose. Snoring is a subjective
experience on the part of the person forced to listen to it.
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| Q: |
Is snoring the same as sleep apnea?
|
| A: |
No. Snoring occurs in 90 percent or more of people with sleep
apnea but is not the same condition. Snoring is the sound made by
vibration of the soft palate without episodes of apnea (breathing
pauses) or hypoventilation (shallow breathing).
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| Q: |
What are some of the potential consequences of snoring?
|
| A: |
Very loud and persistent snoring commonly leads to severe strains
on relationships because of the sleep disruption it causes. Snoring can
lead to multiple arousals (wakefulness during the night) and severe
sleep fragmentation. Both of these disturbances can result in excessive
sleepiness during the day.
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| Q: |
What can I do about my snoring?
|
| A: |
Lifestyle factors contribute to snoring and modification of these
can sometimes lessen the degree and intensity with which you snore.
These include losing weight (if you are overweight or obese), not
sleeping on your back, avoiding alcohol before bedtime, quitting
smoking, and treating nasal congestion. It is important that your doctor
also excludes any anatomical abnormalities that can contribute to
snoring or worsen it, including adenoids, large tonsils, jaw problems,
and nasal blockages.
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| Q: |
Are there any good devices that may help my partner stop snoring?
|
| A: |
Mandibular repositioning splints (MRS) are probably the best
devices we have currently for treating snoring–especially if it’s
simple–and mild sleep apnea. These oral appliances are shaped like gum
shields or mouthguards, and are worn over the teeth at night during
sleep. The idea is to hold the lower jaw forward, thereby opening the
airspace at the back of the throat. In some instances, they are called
mandibular advancement devices (MAD). Mandibular repositioning splints
should be made by a dentist, orthodontist, or prosthodontist. Good
evidence exists to show that they work if constructed properly by an
experienced professional.
|
| Q: |
Are there any other devices that might help?
|
| A: |
Adhesive external nasal dilator strips (ENDS) are often suggested
as a way of preventing snoring. However, large trials have not revealed
any convincing evidence that they cause significant improvement in
snoring. Mouthguards bought over the counter are generally useless. If a
partner is disturbed by snoring, ear plugs or sleeping in another room
can help in extreme cases of very disruptive snoring. CPAP (pp62–63) can
be useful.
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| Q: |
Is surgery useful in treating snoring?
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| A: |
If there is no evidence of sleep apnea after an overnight sleep
study or problems with sleepiness during the day because of snoring,
then surgery may be useful. If you are considering a surgical solution
to your snoring, you must see a specialist for an assessment. There are a
number of different techniques used to treat snoring surgically, but
overall the success rates are low, ranging from 20–50 percent maximum 6
years after the surgery. Remember that some techniques have never been
subjected to proper clinical trials, so be very careful.
|
Myth or truth?
Myth
“Snoring is just a nuisance and it is best to joke about it”
Truth
Snoring is far from
being just a nuisance and is rarely a joke either for those who snore
or, more importantly, for people who have to put up with their snoring.
Persistent snoring can put an unbearable strain on relationships, even
neighborly ones, and can lead to various medical problems. There is some
evidence that people who snore have an increased risk of developing
high blood pressure and that women who snore may have higher-risk
pregnancies with detrimental effects on the developing fetus.
