Snoring Causes and Treatment

Snoring:

The loud snoring some people make while sleeping is no joke. Snoring is often a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).  OSA, if untreated, can lead to serious health consequences.  The Center for Sleep Medicine can help those suffering from snoring and sleep apnea. An estimated 17% of the general population has OSA and the numbers are increasing with the obesity epidemic.  

How Occurs?

Snoring occurs when there is a partial collapse of the upper airway during sleep. The flow of air through this partially collapsed airway causes tissue vibration.   

The partial collapse of the airway occurs when the tongue slips backwards into the airway during sleep.  This blockage can be caused by the position of the body at rest and muscle tone that gradually diminishes during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.  

Causes and Remedies

The incidence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea is higher among men than women until women reach menopause. At and after menopause the incidence of OSA is the same in men and women. Approximately 70% of people having OSA are overweight or obese while the remaining 30% are not overweight.  Therefore, not all obese or overweight individuals have OSA and not all people with OSA are obese.

     

Because snoring is so widespread, new consumer products are regularly introduced that promise instant relief. While individual successes have been reported long-lasting solutions may involve physical changes including weight loss and exercise.

Sometimes snoring can be addressed by having a person sleep on their stomach or side.  Nasal strips and antihistamines offer no relief from snoring for those having OSA.  

Snoring may seem funny in a cartoon, but is no laughing matter to those who must deal with the consequences daily.  Taking a snoring treatment from a board certified sleep physician at The Center for Sleep Medicine can put you on a path to end your snoring. 


To read more about sleep disorder problems and treatments surf the below link:
http://www.sleepmedcenter.com/articles.html