About Snoring

What causes it?

During sleep, the throat relaxes and creates an interruption to the flow of air through the passages at the back of the mouth and nose. This obstruction to the flow of air creates turbulent air flow leading to a vibration in the soft tissue at the back of the nose and throat. Snoring is the sound generated from this vibration.

At SSI we provide non-surgical approved and proven appliances which help improve the airflow and breathing at night.

You are not alone! In fact about 30-40% of adults are habitual snorers. Problem snoring is more frequent in men, those who are overweight and it often worsens with age.

While snoring may be harmless (benign snoring), it can also be a sign of a more serious medical condition that progresses from upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) to obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).

Snoring interrupts that restful, quiet sleep which is so important to good health and a good relationship! Usually people do not hear themselves snore and it may also be difficult for them to make a connection between snoring and daytime symptoms. However snoring can lead to fatigue, the ability to function effectively and could lead to many potential health problems.

Disruption of Airflow can be Caused by Some of the Following:

• Your anatomy : Deviated nasal septum, Nasal polyps, abnormally narrow throat muscles, large tongue or tonsils, Shape of the jaw and neck.
• Lifestyle factors: Excessive Weight, Smoking Alcohol and Sedatives.
• Sleep Position : For some people, increased amount of obstruction occurs when they sleep on their backs. This explains a snorer’s common complaint of being “frequently poked” through the night and implored to roll over. We can assess your precise snoring levels and positional basis thus provide effective therapy.
• Sleep Apnoea : About 50% of loud snorers actually suffer from sleep apnoea – the breathing stops and this can be potentially very dangerous. It is important to eliminate snoring so everyone can get a restful night's sleep and maintain good health. It is equally important to have a simple sleep study done to determine whether it is just snoring or a far more concerning condition such as obstructive sleep apnoea.

What are the associated symptoms and consequences?

Snoring can cause embarrassment and disrupt the sleep of loved ones. It can place immense strain on relationships while driving spouses to sleep separately from their partner. But snoring is also a medical issue, disrupting sleep patterns and depriving the snorer of appropriate rest. Most people ignore a snoring problem not realizing that it may be seriously effecting them or that it can be properly controlled. The sleep loss associated with snoring impairs a person’s ability to perform tasks involving memory, learning, reasoning, and mathematical processes. Since heavy snoring can carry great health risks, it’s a responsible choice to seek treatment, which starts with learning more about snoring, and acknowledging you have a problem.

The following signs may indicate that you have a problem with snoring:

• Daytime sleepiness and tiredness
• Morning Headaches
• Restless sleep
• Trouble concentrating and with memory
• High blood pressure
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Depression and irritable moods
• Poor Job Performance

Snoring & Sleep Diagnosis

There are so many reasons a person can snore. You’ll likely consult with your family doctor first about your snoring, and be referred to an otolaryngologist (ENT Doctor). Whilst surgery may be necessary, for the majority of patients there are more effective and less painful options to successfully treat both sleep apnoea and snoring.

If you have been referred for a sleep study in a hospital, you may not realise it but there is a choice you have of having a portable sleep study. For the majority of patients with snoring and sleep apnoea, there is a choice of having a full PSG (polysomnography) comprehensive sleep study performed at the convenience of your own home. Our International recognized Sleep Specialists can report these for you in a timely manner. Call us to find out how.