The Ins and Outs of Snoring

Even if you’re not a snorer yourself, you’ve most likely experienced it secondhand. The widely common disorder impacts between 40-50% of all Americans. Snoring is notorious for causing sleep disturbances and sending partners marching out of the room in search of a quieter resting spot. The most obvious—and bothersome—of snoring symptoms is the loud, grating noise that occurs. For some, snoring only occurs periodically; for others, it’s a nightly affliction.

Causes of Snoring

Snoring is the result of air coming into contact with the soft tissues in the back of your throat, which vibrate and produce a hoarse, undesirable noise. Snoring symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors, the most common of which include:

  • Excess weight or obesity, which can put extra pressure on the neck and throat, constricting the airway
  • Sinus problems or nasal congestion caused by allergies or the common cold
  • Swollen tonsils or adenoids
  • Medication, barbiturates, or alcohol, especially when consumed shortly before going to sleep
  • Inflammation of the soft palate or uvula, the hanging tissue in the back of the throat
  • Obstructive sleep apnea, which causes the blocking of your airway and interferes with regular breathing patterns

How to Stop Snoring

Fortunately, there are several effective treatment strategies that can reduce or eliminate occurrences of snoring. At Renewing Sleep, we’ve helped patients stop snoring and achieve the rest they need by reviewing treatment options and finding the solution that best fits their individual circumstances. We offer no fee consultations and are happy to provide second opinions on a current treatment method.

Below are common treatment options for snoring and sleep apnea:

  • Oral appliances: For mild or moderate cases, a corrective dental mouthpiece may help to widen the air passage and reduce noisy throat vibrations. This is the least intrusive method and can be the most effective treatment option for those with mild to moderate sleep apnea. Learn more about oral appliances.
  • Sleeping masks: With Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), the snorer wears a pressurized mask while sleeping, which forces the airway open and prevents snoring symptoms and sleep apnea. Many find CPAP to be uncomfortable and inconvenient. Learn more about CPAP alternatives.
  • Traditional surgery: In the most common of surgery-type procedures, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), excess throat tissues are trimmed to minimize interference with the airway.
  • Laser surgery: Extreme cases of snoring can benefit from laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP), which involves removal of the uvula and shortening of the soft palate
  • Somnoplasty: Also known as radiofrequency tissue ablation, this newer procedure uses a radio frequency signal to reduce the size of the soft palate.

Dr. Mark Kleive is highly experienced in snoring symptoms and treatments to stop snoring. Read what his patients say about him. He offers a no fee consultation. Make an appointment and find out how he can help you get a better night’s rest. Call him at (828)669-2974 with questions or to schedule an appointment.