Snoring is a common condition that occurs at all ages and in both genders, although it
occurs more frequently in men and in people who are overweight. Snoring can be as mild as an
occasional disturbance for family members or as serious as the sign of a dangerous medical
condition.
Snoring generally worsens with age. Forty-five percent of adults snore occasionally,
while 25 percent are habitual snorers. Occasional snoring is usually not very serious and does not
occur throughout the night. The habitual snorer not only disrupts the sleep patterns of those close
to him, he also disturbs his own. Habitual snorers snore whenever they sleep and are often tired
after a night of what seems like quality rest. Habitual snorers usually need medical assistance to
find good sleep.
What are the causes of snoring?
Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is physically obstructed.
Air flow can be obstructed by a combination of factors, including:
-
Obstructed nasal airways
Partially blocked nasal passages require extra effort to transfer air
through them. This can pull together or collapse the non-rigid soft and dangling tissue, resulting in
snoring. Some people snore only during allergy seasons or when they have a sinus infection.
Deformities of the nose such as a deviated septum (an impairment of the wall that separates one
nostril from the other) or nasal polyps can also cause obstruction.
-
Poor muscle tone in throat and tongue
Throat and tongue muscles can be too relaxed, which allows them to collapse
and fall back into the airway.
-
Bulky throat tissue
Being overweight can cause bulky throat tissue. Children with large tonsils
and adenoids will often snore.
-
Long soft palate and/or uvula
A soft palate or a long uvula (the dangling tissue in the back of the mouth)
can narrow the opening from the nose to the throat. When these structures vibrate and bump against
one another, the airway becomes obstructed and the snoring sound is produced.
What are the health risks associated with snoring?
Habitual snorers can be at risk for serious health problems. Obstructive sleep apnea is
an illness that is often associated with chronic snorers. This condition creates several problems,
including the following:
- Long interruptions of breathing (more than 10 seconds) caused by partial or total
obstruction or blockage of the airway.
- The patient wakes up frequently, even though he or she may not realize it.
Patients who have serious cases can have total blockage episodes hundreds of times per night.
- Snorers with obstructive sleep apnea sleep lightly to try to keep their throat
muscles tense enough to maintain airflow.
- Blood oxygen levels are often lowered, which causes the heart to pump harder and
blood pressure to rise. The result is a poor night's sleep, which leads to drowsiness during the day
and can interfere with the person’s driving and work. Prolonged suffering from obstructed sleep apnea
will result in higher blood pressure and may cause enlargement of the heart, with higher risks of
heart attack and stroke.
Is there a cure for snoring?
There are more than 300 devices on the market to prevent snoring. None of these devices
address all of the underlying anatomical problems that cause the person to snore (such as nasal
obstruction and being overweight). Weight loss is the single most effective way to reduce
snoring.
Recovery depends on the proper diagnosis and a comprehensive medical and surgical
treatment approach. Otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat physicians) offer a variety of treatment
options that may reduce or eliminate snoring or sleep apnea.
Treatment options include:
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
A surgical treatment that tightens and restructures the flabby tissues in the throat
and palate. This is often prescribed for patients who have moderate or severe obstructive sleep
apnea.
- Laser-assisted uvula palatoplasty (LAUP)
A laser procedure that removes an airway obstruction. This treatment is performed
under local anesthesia in a doctor's office and is intended for snorers and for cases of mild
obstructive sleep apnea.
- Somnoplasty
This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radio frequency energy to shrink
excessive tissue in the palate, uvula, and tongue tissue. This treatment can also be used to relieve
nasal obstruction.
- Genioglossus and hyoid advancement
This is a surgical treatment for sleep apnea which prevents the collapse of the lower
throat by pulling the tongue forward.
- Septoplasty and turbinate surgery
This is a surgical treatment to reduce the resistance to the flow of air through the
nose.
- Non-surgical treatment
A patient may be fitted with a nasal mask that maintains continuous or modified
positive air pressure (CPAP) through the nose to the throat. This should help the patient breathe
better and sleep throughout the night.
A surgical treatment that tightens and restructures the flabby tissues in the
throat and palate. This is often prescribed for patients who have moderate or severe obstructive
sleep apnea. A laser procedure that removes an airway obstruction. This treatment is performed under
local anesthesia in a doctor's office and is intended for snorers and for cases of mild obstructive
sleep apnea. This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radio frequency energy to shrink
excessive tissue in the palate, uvula, and tongue tissue. This treatment can also be used to relieve
nasal obstruction. This is a surgical treatment for sleep apnea which prevents the collapse of the
lower throat by pulling the tongue forward. This is a surgical treatment to reduce the resistance to
the flow of air through the nose. A patient may be fitted with a nasal mask that maintains continuous
or modified positive air pressure (CPAP) through the nose to the throat. This should help the patient
breathe better and sleep throughout the night.
What steps can I take to control my occasional snoring?
If you occasionally snore, you can try the following behavior changes to help control the
problem:
- Lose weight and improve your eating habits.
- Avoid tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and antihistamines before you you go to bed.
- Avoid alcohol, heavy meals, or snacks at least four hours before you sleep.
- Establish regular sleeping patterns. For example, try to go to bed at the same
time every night.
- Sleep on your side rather than on your back.
- Tilt the head of your bed up four inches.
- Talk to your doctor.
© Copyright 1995-2008 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not
intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your
health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed
on: 10/15/2004
