What is snoring?
The term snoring is used to describe the sound made by air vibrating through your airways during sleep.
Snoring is caused by a narrowing at some point in your upper airway. You may have a blocked or congested nose or alternatively the base of your tongue may fall backwards, partially blocking your throat.
Either way, the air entering your airway no longer flows freely in a straight line but becomes chaotic. The air is forced through narrow passages in varying directions.
Buffets of air bang into structures in your nose, mouth or throat, causing vibrations and noise. Snoring can be very loud and can disrupt your own sleep and the sleep of those you live with.
Treatments for snoring
Snoring can be minimised by making lifestyle alterations:
- Avoid alcohol for a few hours before bed
- Stop smoking
- Lose excess weight
- Alter your sleeping position to avoid lying on your back
- Avoid allergens – for example, avoid pets in the bedroom if you have allergies.
You can also try the following medical therapies to open your nasal passages and reduce snoring:
- Nasal strips: these adhere to the outside of your nose and are designed to physically hold your nostrils open.
- Nasal dilators: small plastic or surgical steel devices that are inserted inside your nostrils to physically hold the nasal passages open.
- Chin strap: an elasticated cloth band that sits underneath the chin and straps around the top of your head. It can hold your jaw closed to encourage you to breathe through your nose.
- Antihistamines: a type of medication (usually in tablet form) that can treat allergic conditions such as hay fever. They reduce swelling and narrowing of the nasal passages.
- Lubricating nasal sprays: these moisturise the nose and wash away mucus and other secretions when squirted into each nostril. They can help to prevent nasal irritation and dryness.
- Steroidal nasal sprays: these reduce inflammation, swelling and narrowing of your nasal passages when sprayed into each nostril.
- Nasal surgery: an operation to correct a broken nose or deviated septum which helps to reposition and restructure your nose and open your nasal passages.
- A Mandibular Advancement Device: this is worn in the mouth over your upper and lower jaws like a brace. It is designed to pull your lower jaw forward, opening your airways.
Snoring can lead to Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Many people with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea start out as snorers. Over time, snoring can cause your airways to become inflamed and narrow. This can lead to Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.
It is not known why some people remain just snorers while other people go on to develop Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. It could be due to an overactive inflammatory immune response, narrow airways or weight gain.
