What is snoring?
At Sleep Apnea HQ, we are often asked the simple question: “Why do people snore?” Snoring is caused by vibration of the soft tissues at the back of the throat, in particular the tongue, soft palate and uvula. When you’re awake, the muscles within these structures keep the airway open. As you sleep these muscles relax, and in snorers this allows the tissues to collapse backwards and obstruct the airway.
Who is at risk?
While certain groups are at higher risk, snoring is often the result of a combination of anatomical and lifestyle factors.
In particular, individuals who are overweight, pregnant, or who suffer from allergies seem to be more frequently affected. Other factors that may contribute are: the shape and size of the structures that make up the nose and throat, consumption of alcohol and certain medications before sleep, and body position during sleep.
Snoring can affect your health and wellbeing
Snoring can be harmless, but it can also signify a larger problem. Approximately 60% of regular snorers have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a sleep disorder characterised by cyclical airway blockage during sleep. Still more have Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS), a mid-way condition that can progress into sleep apnea.
Snoring and sleep apnea don’t just deny you the night’s sleep you deserve, and leave you feeling tired and irritable during the day. They can also have a significant impact on your longer term health and quality of life. Snoring has been linked to a variety of medical conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
In addition, your snoring problems may be frustrating those around you and putting strain on your relationships. In patients with severe snoring problems, simple treatment can be life-changing.
Say goodbye to snoring problems: snore no more with Sleep Apnea HQ
At Sleep Apnea HQ, we specialise in diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea, and have the technology and the expertise to manage your snoring. Imagine a life where you didn’t snore: no more restless nights, waking tired, or frustrating your partner.
Treatment is simple and effective, and you’ll be amazed you waited so long. For most patients, curing snoring is as simple as providing a small dental appliance for wear during sleep. These dental appliances have been shown by years of scientific research to be highly effective, and are considered the gold standard treatment for both snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Don’t wait for your snoring to have serious impacts on your health and relationships: call Sleep Apnea HQ today to book your consultation with the snoring experts.
