Complete guide to snoring

Welcome to our snoring guide!

If you're here, it's probably because you want to know more about this phenomenon that can disturb your sleep or your partner's.

You will discover the different causes of snoring, which can sometimes be more than just an inconvenience, as well as the times when it is best to consult a health professional. We'll also look at the different treatment options, because yes, there are ways to get rid of snoring!

You will see that snoring can be caused by various factors, such as sleeping position, diet, or breathing problems. But rest assured, with the right advice and treatment, you will be able to enjoy peaceful and restful nights.

We will also give you our opinion on the different methods of treating snoring, as we know that it is not always easy to make the right choice. We recommend that you take the time to read our guide carefully, so that you can find the answers to all your questions about snoring.

What is snoring?

Snoring is a common sleep disorder characterised by a sound produced by the vibration of the throat tissues during breathing while sleeping. Snoring is an unpleasant sound that occurs when air passes through the tissues of the throat that relax during sleep. Snoring may be a sign of a more serious sleep disorder, such as sleep apnoea, or simply a minor problem that can be easily treated.

Snoring is a common sleep phenomenon that can affect anyone at any age, but is more common in men and overweight people. It occurs when air passes through the soft tissues of the palate and throat, causing unpleasant vibrations and noises. Although snoring is often considered a simple annoyance, it can sometimes indicate a more serious health problem, such as sleep apnoea, which can lead to potentially fatal complications if left untreated.

In this article, we will discuss the causes and risk factors of snoring, signs to look out for, possible complications, treatment options and when to consult a health care professional.

Symptoms of snoring

The most common symptom of snoring is obviously the noise itself. However, people who snore can also suffer from :

• Restless sleep
• Frequent awakenings during the night
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches
• Irritability and mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating
• If you have these symptoms, you should see a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Diagnosis of snoring

The diagnosis of snoring can be made by a physician specialising in sleep medicine. Diagnosis may include an assessment of symptoms, a physical examination and an upper airway assessment.

Treatment of snoring

Treatment for snoring depends on the underlying cause. Treatment options may include:

• Lifestyle changes: weight loss, reduction of alcohol and other sedatives, stopping smoking, different sleeping positions.
• Intra-oral devices: These devices can be prescribed by a dentist to keep the airway open during sleep.
• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines: these machines provide a constant flow of air to keep the airway open during sleep.
• Surgical intervention: in some cases, surgery may be required to remove tissue obstructing the
• Anti-snoring device such as Back2Sleep

Who to consult for snoring?

If you have problems with snoring, it is recommended that you consult a sleep doctor or an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist. These health professionals can perform a physical examination to assess the upper airway, make an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment. They can also refer you to specialists such as a sleep dentist for the manufacture of an intraoral device, or a surgeon for more invasive procedures if necessary.

Causes and risk factors of snoring

The causes of snoring can vary from person to person, but some are more common than others. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Nasal obstruction: nasal problems such as a deviated septum, nasal polyps or allergy can lead to airway obstruction and snoring.
• Overweight and obesity: excess fat around the neck can put pressure on the airways and lead to snoring.
• Alcohol and tobacco use: alcohol and tobacco can cause the muscles in the throat and airways to relax, which can lead to snoring.
• Age: Ageing can lead to a weakening of the muscles in the throat and airways, which can result in snoring.
• Anatomy: People with a smaller lower jaw or a longer soft palate are more likely to snore.
• Sleeping position: Sleeping on your back can lead to snoring because the tongue and soft tissues tend to collapse towards the back of the throat.

Signs to watch out for

Although snoring may seem like a simple inconvenience, it can sometimes indicate a more serious health problem, such as sleep apnea. Here are some signs to look out for:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness: If you find it difficult to stay awake during the day, even if you got enough sleep the night before, this may indicate an underlying sleep problem.
• Frequent awakenings: If you wake up often at night to go to the toilet, to drink water or for other reasons, this may indicate a sleep problem.
• Noisy breathing during sleep: If your bed partner tells you that you breathe loudly during the night or that you often wake up choking, this may indicate a sleep problem.

When should I see a doctor to treat my snoring?

If you or your loved ones experience symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, headaches, memory loss or difficulty concentrating, it is important to seek medical attention. These symptoms may be a sign of a sleep disorder, including sleep apnoea, which can cause loud and regular snoring.

The doctor may ask you questions about your sleep patterns and the symptoms you are experiencing. He or she may also ask you to keep a sleep diary to track your sleep patterns over several nights.

In some cases, the doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist for further diagnostic tests. Tests may include polysomnography, which monitors your breathing, eye movements, brain activity and other body signs during sleep.

Snoring treatments

There are several treatments for snoring, including:

• Anti-snoring devices: These are available in a variety of forms, such as oral appliances, nasal strips, nasal dilators, special pillows and jaw positioning devices. They work by preventing the airway from narrowing during sleep.
• Lifestyle changes: This may include losing weight, stopping smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and exercising regularly. These changes can help reduce inflammation in the airways and improve breathing.
• Medication: Medication can help reduce inflammation in the airways and improve breathing. They can also help reduce nasal congestion and mucus production.
• Surgery: In severe cases of snoring, surgery may be an option. Surgery can help remove tissues that obstruct the airway, such as tonsils or adenoid tissue.

If you or a loved one suffers from snoring, it is important to consult a doctor to determine the cause and find an appropriate treatment. Anti-snoring devices, lifestyle changes, medication and surgery can all be options to reduce snoring and improve sleep quality.