Snoring
DEFINITION
Snoring is partially obstructed breathing during sleep,
causing a harsh, rough sound from the passage of air through the
mouth, throat and nose. Snoring ranges from being an annoying
problem for bed partners and the household to a potential health
threat to the snorer.
causing a harsh, rough sound from the passage of air through the
mouth, throat and nose. Snoring ranges from being an annoying
problem for bed partners and the household to a potential health
threat to the snorer.
DESCRIPTION
Snoring is the production of a harsh, rough sound caused by
the passage of air through the mouth, throat and nose during sleep.
It can occur intermittently during colds, ‘flu or throat infections
because of the production of phlegm and the swelling of tissues at
these times. It almost always occurs at night. The sound is due to
the vibration of the uvula or soft palate with the movement of air
in and out of the mouth. The uvula is the piece of tissue that can
be seen hanging down the back of the throat when the mouth is wide
open, and the soft palate is the back part of the roof of the
mouth, to which the uvula is attached.
the passage of air through the mouth, throat and nose during sleep.
It can occur intermittently during colds, ‘flu or throat infections
because of the production of phlegm and the swelling of tissues at
these times. It almost always occurs at night. The sound is due to
the vibration of the uvula or soft palate with the movement of air
in and out of the mouth. The uvula is the piece of tissue that can
be seen hanging down the back of the throat when the mouth is wide
open, and the soft palate is the back part of the roof of the
mouth, to which the uvula is attached.
In some people snoring is more serious and can be a health
risk. Snoring may be associated with periods when the breathing
stops completely for up to a minute. This problem is known as sleep
apnoea and is due to collapse of the soft tissues of the throat
during sleep. Snoring can prevent the sufferer as well as the bed
partner from getting a good night’s sleep. The annoying problem
causes more stress usually for the people around the snorer, rather
than the snorer. It may help to change the position of the
sufferer. Sleeping on the back appears to be worse than sleeping on
the side.
risk. Snoring may be associated with periods when the breathing
stops completely for up to a minute. This problem is known as sleep
apnoea and is due to collapse of the soft tissues of the throat
during sleep. Snoring can prevent the sufferer as well as the bed
partner from getting a good night’s sleep. The annoying problem
causes more stress usually for the people around the snorer, rather
than the snorer. It may help to change the position of the
sufferer. Sleeping on the back appears to be worse than sleeping on
the side.
Studies show that Snoring is three times more common in
overweight people. Approximately 20% of the population are habitual
snorers and more men than women suffer from the problem. Snoring
tends to increase from age 30 to 65, but thereafter it reduces. If
the person is overweight, loss of weight is often very beneficial.
Sedatives, alcohol and smoking will all aggravate Snoring. If the
problem persists it may be of benefit to see a Doctor. There are a
few rare diseases that may cause Snoring and these must be
excluded. There are different types of drug therapy a Doctor may
try if the Snoring is a serious problem.
overweight people. Approximately 20% of the population are habitual
snorers and more men than women suffer from the problem. Snoring
tends to increase from age 30 to 65, but thereafter it reduces. If
the person is overweight, loss of weight is often very beneficial.
Sedatives, alcohol and smoking will all aggravate Snoring. If the
problem persists it may be of benefit to see a Doctor. There are a
few rare diseases that may cause Snoring and these must be
excluded. There are different types of drug therapy a Doctor may
try if the Snoring is a serious problem.
It has been noted that people with large tonsils and small
receding chins may suffer from snoring.
receding chins may suffer from snoring.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
As with all conditions your Doctor should be consulted to
diagnose and treat this condition. Ask your Doctor about the latest
advice on this ailment. Heavy Snorers should have a thorough
medical examination of the nose, mouth, palate, throat and
neck.
diagnose and treat this condition. Ask your Doctor about the latest
advice on this ailment. Heavy Snorers should have a thorough
medical examination of the nose, mouth, palate, throat and
neck.
DIET HINTS
It is important to have a well rounded, nutritious diet at all
times. A healthy diet includes carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables,
nuts, seeds and wholegrain cereals), protein (lean meat, fish, eggs
and dairy products) and fats and oils (butter, polyunsaturated and
monounsaturated oils). The diet should focus on raw, fresh foods,
in particular fruits, vegetables and Wholegrain cereals. Foods to
be avoided or kept to a minimum include fatty or processed meats,
deep fried foods, cakes, biscuits, sweets, soft drinks, ice cream,
chocolate, butter, margarine, cream, tea, coffee and alcoholic
beverages. Snoring may be made worse when a large meal is eaten at
night. Avoid heavy, rich meals at night or have the evening meal a
few hours before bedtime. Alcohol consumption in the evening is
also thought to promote Snoring.
times. A healthy diet includes carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables,
nuts, seeds and wholegrain cereals), protein (lean meat, fish, eggs
and dairy products) and fats and oils (butter, polyunsaturated and
monounsaturated oils). The diet should focus on raw, fresh foods,
in particular fruits, vegetables and Wholegrain cereals. Foods to
be avoided or kept to a minimum include fatty or processed meats,
deep fried foods, cakes, biscuits, sweets, soft drinks, ice cream,
chocolate, butter, margarine, cream, tea, coffee and alcoholic
beverages. Snoring may be made worse when a large meal is eaten at
night. Avoid heavy, rich meals at night or have the evening meal a
few hours before bedtime. Alcohol consumption in the evening is
also thought to promote Snoring.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
Ask your Pharmacist for advice
- Ask your Pharmacist about a product which helps keep the nasal
passages open at night. This drug-free mechanism has proven
effective in reducing the incidence of Snoring in some
people. - Your Pharmacy may stock a special pillow which will help to
minimise the problem by keeping the person in the right position to
avoid Snoring. - There are several products on the market which are reputed to
help stop Snoring. Ask your Pharmacist for advice. - Lower the intake of alcohol especially before bed.
- Lose weight if necessary.
- Set up a regular sleep pattern so that the snorer does not go
the bed feeling absolutely exhausted. - As some snorers suffer from nasal congestion or a deviated
septum ask your Pharmacist about nasal strips which reduce the
incidence of snoring in some people. - Avoid taking sedatives.