What is snoring?

Snoring is a rattling, snorting or grumbling noise some individuals produce while asleep. It occurs when there's a blockage in your airway.

What are the signs of snoring?

Snoring sounds differ from individual to individual. Snores could sound like:

Soft vibrations.
Whistling.
Grumbling.
Snorting.
Rumbling.

Snorers may also:

Toss and turn at night.
Wake up with a sore or dry throat.
Feel fatigued (tired) during the day.
Experience headaches.
Feel irritable or moody.
Struggle to concentrate.

Why does snoring occur?

You force air through your nose, mouth, and throat when you breathe. A narrowing in your airway can cause these tissues to vibrate against one another as air passes through your:

Soft palate (the roof of the back of your mouth).
Tonsils.
Adenoids.
Tongue.
The vibrations produce a rumbling, rattling sound (what we recognize as snoring).

Several different things can produce this airway obstruction, including:

Age: Snoring increases as we age because muscle tone reduces, making our airways narrower (shrink).
Alcohol and sedatives: Drinks that have alcohol and some drugs relax your muscles, narrowing the flow of air through your nose, mouth and throat.
Anatomy: Large adenoids, large tonsils, or an oversized tongue make it difficult for air to pass through your mouth and nose. A deviated septum (when the cartilage that divides your nostrils is crooked) also stops air from flowing.
Sex: Snoring is more prevalent in men.
Family history: Snoring often runs in families. If one of your parents snores, you are also more likely to snore.
General health: Allergies and the common cold cause nasal congestion, which stops air from moving through your nose and mouth. Changes in hormones during pregnancy may also lead to snoring.
Weight: Snoring and breathing disorders during sleep are more frequent among individuals with overweight (BMI more than 25) or obese (BMI more than 30) conditions.

How do healthcare providers diagnose snoring?

A healthcare provider will examine your nose, mouth and throat. They'll also question you (and perhaps even your partner or partners) a few questions, including:

How often do you snore?
What type of sounds do you make when you snore?
Do you feel refreshed during the day?
Sleep study

Your provider may order a sleep study (polysomnography) if they suspect you have a sleep disorder (such as sleep apnea). You may be able to have a sleep study at home, or you may have to spend the night in a sleep center.

A sleep study checks:

Brain wave activity.
Breathing patterns, including any instances where you halt breathing or gasp for air.
Heart rate and oxygen saturation.
Arm or leg movements or turning over during sleep.
Sleep cycles and snoring.

How are healthcare providers treating snoring?

Healthcare professionals use a variety of treatments to reduce snoring. The best option for you will depend on several factors, such as the severity of your snoring, your medical history, and your preferences.

Non-surgical snoring treatments

Non-surgical treatments for snoring aim to change sleeping positions or open airways. These include:

Medicines: Allergy and cold medications help clear nasal passages for easier breathing.
Changing habits: Altering sleep patterns, avoiding alcohol before bed, and maintaining a healthy weight may reduce snoring.
Nasal strips: Nasal strips (thin plastic bands that attach to the rim of your nose) can ensure that your nostrils remain unobstructed.
Oral appliances: Sleeping while wearing an oral appliance keeps your jaw in the correct position so air can pass through. Your doctor may call it a mouth device or mouth guard. A mouth guard used for sports will not help with snoring.

Surgical snoring treatments

Health care professionals can treat serious snoring with surgery, aiming to reduce excess tissue or correct structural issues like a deviated septum. One option is laser uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP), which removes tissue from the soft palate to improve airflow.

Ablation therapy: Also known as Somnoplasty®, employs radiofrequency energy to decrease excess tissue in your soft palate and tongue.
Septoplasty: As your physician may suggest, you might need a septoplasty if you have a deviated septum. A septoplasty enhances nasal airflow by readjusting cartilage and bone.
Tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy: A physician removes unwanted tissue from the back of your throat (tonsillectomy) or nose (adenoidectomy).

Can I prevent snoring?

Lifestyle changes could make you give up or prevent snoring altogether. Try the following:

Don't use sedatives (such as zolpidem, clonazepam and eszopiclone) or drinks with alcohol at bedtime.
Ask your doctor about medications to treat nasal congestion.
Exercise regularly, get plenty of exercise and have a good weight for you.
Sleep with your head raised to help air flow more freely.
Sleep on your side rather than on your back.
Buy a snore-reducing pillow that holds your head in the right position when sleeping.

Consult your provider for additional tips on how to stop snoring. They can provide personalized recommendations tailored to your needs.

What is the outlook for people who snore?

Occasional snoring is usually harmless. But loud, disruptive or frequent snoring can be a symptom of sleep apnea, a serious disorder. Long-term snoring increases your risk of health issues, including:

Decreased blood oxygen levels (hypoxia).
Difficulty concentrating.
Fatigue (feeling very tired during the day).
Heart attack.
High blood pressure.
Stroke.
Type 2 diabetes.

Living With

When am I most concerned with snoring?

Consult a healthcare provider if snoring interferes with your sleep or causes symptoms such as fatigue, headaches or gasping for air. They can perform tests to determine if you have sleep apnea or another form of sleep-disordered breathing.

Why Choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Snoring Treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers snoring treatment in Lucknow, India. Our experienced ENT specialists use advanced diagnostic sleep studies and minimally invasive techniques to treat snoring and related sleep disorders and ensuring restful sleep and better health outcomes.