Don’t Lose Sleep Because You (or someone else!) Snore

Answer these questions…

•  Do you snore loudly each night?
• Is snoring affecting your relationships?
• Have I been told I “stop breathing”, then suddenly gasp for air while sleeping?
• Do you frequently feel fatigued, exhausted or tired during the day?
• Do I often doze off or fall asleep at inappropriate times?

If you answered yes to these questions, read on!

If you, or someone you love snores, a good night’s sleep has probably been elusive!  Sleep disorders don’t just affect marriages and family relationships, they harm the quality of a good night’s rest and can cause some serious health risks.  Snoring is most often caused by loose or weak tissue at the back of the mouth which collapses into the airway during sleep.  The tissue flutters or vibrates as air is forced through the constricted airway.  Additionally, anatomic abnormalities such as nasal septal deviation, nasal polyps, enlarged tonsils, small or mal-positioned jaws, enlarged tongues, etc. can add to the concern.  Snoring occurs more often in cases of obesity, mouth breathing, alcohol consumption and the use of sedative medications.

Although snoring itself is physically harmless, it could be a “fire alarm” for a potentially life-threatening medical condition known as obstructive sleep apnea.  In sleep apnea, the tongue is sucked completely against the back of the throat.  Once the airway is blocked, breathing stops.  When this happens, the harder the sleeper tries to breathe, the tighter the airway seal becomes.  It’s like trying to drink through a straw that’s stuck in a lump of ice cream.  The harder you suck, the flatter the straw becomes.

This airway obstruction lasts until the brain’s oxygen level falls low enough to partially awaken the sleeper.  The tongue then returns to a more normal position and – with a loud gasp or snore – the airway seal is broken.  Because of sleep interruptions and lowered oxygen levels, the sleep apnea victim frequently feels chronically fatigued and often is more accident prone.  Other physical disorders linked to snoring and sleep apnea include chronic fatigue, daytime sleepiness, mood disturbance, decreased libido, morning headaches, mouth or throat disorders, systemic and pulmonary hypertension, cardiac arrythmias and even heart failure resulting in sudden death.

Several alternatives are available for the treatment of snoring.  As with any condition, diagnosis is the key to determining treatment, because nothing will work 100% of the time.  Behavioral measures such as losing weight, eliminating evening use of alcohol and sedatives at night and avoiding sleeping in the supine position may be the only treatment needed for mild to moderate sleep disorders.  A nasal air mask called a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is a very effective noninvasive treatment.  Pressurized air is continuously forced through a sealed nasal mask that the patient wears while sleeping.  Although effective, many discontinue use because of intolerance of the mask and hose while also being connected to a machine.  Surgical management may include nasal surgery, adenotonsillectomy, jaw advancement or removal of the uvula and portions of the soft palate.

Oral or dental appliances are an excellent alternative for a number of patients who snore.  Although different “brands” exist, most appliances fit in the mouth (similar to a retainer or mouthpiece) and position the lower jaw slightly forward.  This keeps the loose or weak tissue and tongue clear of the pharyngeal airway, promoting the free passage of air.  It is based on the same principle as tilting the head back to free the airway when giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.  This simple, non-invasive method has proven successful for numerous patients.  Ask your dentist for an evaluation if you, or someone you loves, has a concern with snoring.  A good night’s sleep is calling your name!