Treatment for Snoring
Snoring is common — around 20% of adult men are thought to snore habitually. It can cause major sleep disruption, and put a strain on a relationship when your partner can’t get a regular night’s sleep.
Why do we snore?
Snoring happens when airflow through the upper airway (mouth and nose) becomes turbulent, causing vibrations in your nose or throat. The most common reasons are:
A congested nose — from allergies or cigarette smoking — making you breathe through your mouth
Nasal polyps
Bent nasal cartilage
Large tonsils
Excess weight bearing down on your throat
Over-relaxed muscles due to alcohol or sedatives
Who suffers from snoring?
The most common causes are a lack of exercise and a rich diet. Men are more likely to snore, as are people who smoke and drink. Snoring isn’t only a by-product of lifestyle — it can also indicate larger health problems, such as hypothyroidism or sleep apnoea.
How is snoring treated?
At the Sleeping Disorders Centre you will have a series of tests and assessments before the most suitable treatment is recommended.
Changing your lifestyle
Avoid alcohol and smoking — both can make snoring much worse and may be a main cause.
Lose weight: snoring usually affects people who are overweight, because of pressure on the throat from excess fat or weak muscle tone.
Sleep on your side to avoid extra pressure on your airway.
Use thicker pillows or raise your head slightly.
Remove anything you might be allergic to from your bedroom.
Mouth guards
Specially fitted guards worn at night stop your jaw falling backwards and keep your airway clearer. They can be bought over the counter, but it is much better to have one fitted by a qualified specialist dentist. More about mandibular devices →
Thyroxine
Some snoring is caused by low levels of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism), which can be identified with a blood test. If so, daily thyroxine can stop the snoring.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
It is not known precisely how snoring and hormones are linked, but research shows a direct link between breathing problems and hormone imbalance. HRT can help, especially for post-menopausal women with mild snoring or sleep apnoea. It generally does not work for men with hormone imbalances.
Nasal sprays
Decongestant nasal sprays are available on prescription if a blocked nose is the main cause, or over the counter. They help you avoid breathing through your mouth as you sleep. Throat sprays keep soft tissues moist so vibrations are reduced. The benefits tend to be limited, except for nasal steroids.
Surgery for snoring
If surgery is the best answer, there are several options that alter the upper airway — removing the tonsils or adenoids, stiffening parts of the soft tissue, or removing small areas of soft tissue — so the airway stays clearer and breathing is easier. Surgery is discussed thoroughly with your surgeon and should only be seriously considered once other options have been tried.