Snoring - harmless or a health risk?
Almost all of us have snored at some point - be it due to a cold or after one too many glasses of wine. But when does snoring become a problem? And how can you tell whether it is harmless or needs more detailed clarification?
Snoring reduces the quality of sleep - for your bed partner
When is snoring harmless - and when is it not?
Occasional snoring is usually harmless. It becomes problematic when the snoring:
occurs regularly
is very loud
or is accompanied by daytime sleepiness, concentration problems or breathing interruptions
Loud or persistent snoring can be an indication that the oxygen supply during sleep is disrupted. This puts the body under stress and sleep loses its restorative function. As a result, you feel exhausted in the morning - even though you have actually slept enough.
What causes snoring?
Snoring is caused by a constriction of the upper airways, which accelerates the flow of air and causes the soft tissues in the throat to vibrate, resulting in the typical snoring sound.
Common causes are
The tongue falls backwards during sleep and blocks the throat
The nasal passages are too narrow - for example due to a crooked nasal septum or enlarged mucous membranes
The muscles in the throat slacken and partially collapse
Enlarged tonsils or other lymphatic structures obstruct the flow of air
A retracted lower jaw further restricts the airway
What can you do about snoring?
The good news is that snoring can be treated in many cases. It is important to identify the cause - because only then can the right therapy be chosen.
Possible therapeutic approaches:
Snoring splint (lower jaw protrusion splint): Shifts the lower jaw slightly forward and thus keeps the airways open - ideal as a first step
Myofunctional therapy: targeted training to strengthen the tongue and throat muscles
Tongue tie release: If a tongue tie that is too short prevents the tongue from being positioned correctly
Maxillary widening: The nasal floor can be widened by skeletal widening - this facilitates nasal breathing
ENT procedures: e.g. straightening the nasal septum or removing enlarged tonsils
Permanent mandibular advancement: surgical measure for severe retraction
Mouth taping: taping the mouth shut overnight - sounds unusual, but can help train nasal breathing
Waking up well-rested in the morning - not a pipe dream
Good sleep is not a luxury, but a central component of your health, performance and well-being. If you suffer from snoring - or those around you do - it is worth having a targeted assessment.
I take the time to work with you to find the cause and find a suitable solution.
