Snoring can be a sleep-disrupting condition with unpleasant side effects. For those who share a room or a bed, dealing with snoring can be frustrating and upsetting. Luckily, many forms of snoring help are available to aid snorers and their sleepless companions.
Snoring is a snorting or heavy breathing sound caused by air passages being restricted during sleep. Some experts estimate that nearly half of all men snore regularly, while about 30-40% of women are regular snorers. The cause of snoring can vary, and may be related to other conditions such as seasonal allergies or illnesses such as colds. Nevertheless, even if it is a temporary condition, snoring help may be available to help open airways and alleviate the condition to allow more comfortable resting.
Snoring help can be surgical or nonsurgical, depending on the severity of the problem and its root cause. Some snoring help involves lifestyle changes, such as weight loss or quitting drinking and smoking. Even a simple change such as sleeping on the side rather than the back can provide snoring help.
Other snoring treatments use various devices to improve airway flow. Nasal strips hold the nostrils open slightly, preventing over-relaxation of the nose that can lead to snoring. For mouth-breathers, some devices hold the jaw and tongue slightly forward during sleep, preventing the softening of the tongue and soft palate that can seriously restrict airflow. Nasal sprays, decongestants, and salt water nasal rinses can all provide snoring help for temporary conditions such as snoring caused by hay fever or a cold.
Surgical options for snoring help are typically reserved for severe conditions where overall health is affected by snoring. Potential patients often undergo sleep observation in a sleep clinic to ensure that surgery is the correct step. Surgery to correct chronic snoring may involve reshaping or tightening of the nasal area or palate. By correcting the shape and muscles of these area, airflow can be improved and snoring may be reduced or eliminated.
Anyone with a chronic snoring problem may wish to consult a doctor. Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, a potentially dangerous condition that can stop breathing while asleep. Even if the condition is mild, eliminating snoring can prevent mucous build ups and sore throats, and will greatly be appreciated by anyone sharing the bedroom. With a wide variety of treatments available that offer snoring help, avoiding dealing with the issue might well be called sleepy thinking.
