Sleep Disorders: Snoring Treatments

Many snoring remedies are available over-the-counter in drug stores, but most do not cure snoring. There are, however, a number of steps you can take to put an end to your snoring. Here are some tips for the occasional snorer:

• Lose weight and improve your eating habits.
• Avoid tranquilizers, sleeping pills and antihistamines before you go to bed.
• Avoid alcohol and 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.

If none of the above mentioned tips help, talk to your doctor. There are a variety of medical treatments that may reduce or eliminate snoring.

Medical Treatments for Snoring

For mild forms of snoring caused by swelling of the lining of your nose, a doctor may prescribe an inhaled steroid to take before going to sleep. He or she may also suggest dental appliances or nasal strips. For more severe forms of snoring due to sleep apnea, surgical procedures or continuous positive airway pressure may be prescribed.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a treatment in which a mask is worn over the nose and/or mouth while you sleep. The mask is hooked up to a machine that delivers a continuous flow of air into the nostrils. The pressure from air flowing into the nostrils helps keep the airways open so that breathing is not impaired.

Surgery

Surgery may be needed to correct a physical problem that is causing you to snore. Surgical options include:

• Somnoplasty: A minimally invasive procedure to reduce the soft tissue in the upper airway
• Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy: Removing the tonsils and/or adenoids may be needed to prevent snoring.
• Palate surgery: Your doctor may recommend removing certain tissues of the soft palate that may be obstructing your breathing.