Snoring is a common sleep-related breathing disorder that can be uncomfortable and cause difficulty sleeping.
What can cause snoring?
Many factors can increase the likelihood of you snoring during sleep. Some of these can include the following.
- Ageing
- Being overweight
- Gender
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Blocked nose
- Sleeping position
Excessive snoring can often lead to sleep apnoea. Sleep is very important; therefore, you should seek professional advice if you are struggling with it.
What is sleep apnoea?
Sleep apnoea, which occurs in snorers, is called obstructive sleep apnoea because the throat actually blocks while you are sleeping. Experiencing sleep apnoea means that you stop breathing during your sleep. This typically only happens for a few seconds.
You might find out you have sleep apnoea based on experiences that family members recall for you. Some people find out due to waking up struggling to breathe, which can be distressing. It’s best to seek medical advice if you think you have sleep apnoea, as there are various treatments that may help you.
What treatments are available for snoring/sleep apnoea?
Treatment for snoring/sleep apnoea can involve lifestyle changes, sleep studies, medical treatment and/or surgery.
Lifestyle changes
In the first instance, you will be advised to work on your weight if you are ‘overweight’ based on your BMI. Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight will provide you with further health benefits too.
Additionally, if you consume a lot of alcohol or smoke, you will likely be recommended to cut down on these before further treatment is offered.
Sleep study
Some patients may be asked by a respiratory professional to complete a sleep study. A sleep study involves measuring various levels and rates in your body while you are asleep. It is nothing to worry about.
You will be offered a treatment plan depending on your sleep study results. Some treatments may include wearing a mask at night, which helps keep the airways open, allowing you to breathe more easily.
Surgery
Various surgical procedures can be completed based on the cause of your snoring. Some surgeries include unblocking the nasal pathways or shortening areas in the throat.
Deciding to have the surgery is a big decision and one that you will need guidance through. As with all surgeries, there are various risks that you will need to be aware of. Some people find that they stop snoring for a while, and then it returns even after surgery.
We’re here to help you make an informed decision so that you can breathe easier during the night and get more restful sleep.