Do Nasal vents, cones, and nasal dilators stop snoring?

The Nasal Valve

 So How do they Work?

Nasal Cones to Treat Rhinitis

Nasal dilators for Nasal Valve Stenosis

Nasal dilators ( or Nasal cones ) are proven to be effective at stopping snoring.  There are several styles and brands on the market, and it’s best to try a few styles to test out the sizing for your nose.  It’s common to go through a few different brands in order to find the best manufacturer for you.  Nasal dilators are pretty inexpensive, considering the effectiveness, so buy a few styles and use a different brand each night until you decide on the best one for you.Share This Post:

Laser-Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP)

LAUP is a series of procedures and office visits where the doctor reshapes the uvula in order to stop loud and habitual snoring.  The uvula hangs across your tongue in the back of the mouth.  It’s a soft fleshy tissue that is considered part of your soft palate.  When you swallow, the uvula creates a barrier in your nasal passage in order to help guide the food in your mouth down your throat.  The uvula is said to be one of the main culprits in causing snoring.  When the uvula is inflamed, it can actually restrict the flow of air down into your lungs.

Common Reasons the Uvula becomes Inflamed and Causes Snoring

Prescription Drug Use

Many medications have side effects when used.  The uvula can become swollen as one of these side effects.  Sometimes tobacco and marijuana use can irritate the uvula as well.  While inhaling either of these, the smoke passes down the air passageway and can irritate the uvula along the way.

Dehydration

Not drinking enough water or fluids is said to irritate the uvula and cause it to become inflamed.  Excessive alcohol consumption, which then leads to dehydration, can also cause inflammation in the uvula.  Any kind of inflammation in the throat, near the soft palate, or uvula typically results in excessive snoring since inflammation blocks the flow of air.

Allergies

Many people nowadays experience allergies to food, the environment, and dust.  When you are allergic to something and consume it or inhale it, it is going to effect your uvula since it’s located in the back of the mouth.  Once the uvula becomes inflamed, it will start to block your air passageway and snoring will most likely occur during your sleep.

When an airway blockage occurs, the air vibrates off the soft tissues in the back of your mouth and causes the loud sound of snoring.  Many doctors prefer to remove the uvula completely so that it can no longer block the airway, thus eliminating snoring.  This is the LAUP.  It is an outpatient procedure that does not require overnight care in a hospital.  The LAUP is done to enlarge the oropharyngeal airway.

The Uvulopalatoplasty Procedure

The actual LAUP requires multiple visits to your doctor’s office.  Depending on the patient, you may need the LAUP treatment three to five times in order for snoring to stop completely.  Each treatment takes roughly 35 minutes.

What is removed?

Part or all of your uvula is removed from the back of your throat by a high-intensity laser.  Parts of the uvula are removed during multiple visits, depending on the experience of the doctor, or it can all be removed at once.

Are you awake during a Uvulopalatoplasty?

Patients remain awake during the LAUP and are given local anesthetic.  Most people are not entirely sedated during this procedure because local anesthesia will numb the entire back of the mouth and throat.  Depending on the patient and doctor, the uvula may be completely amputated during the first visit, with remaining visits used to carve away more of the soft palate tissues, or the uvula will be amputated bit by bit over the visits.  Either way, the goal of the surgery is to eliminate the uvula completely and treat the surrounding soft palate tissues so that snoring will no longer occur afterwards.

The uvula is a very sensitive tissue in the back of your throat and can be quite painful.  Most patients are given pain medicines before the procedure and are instructed to remain taking them for 1-2 weeks after the treatment.

LAUP Recovery Time

The recovery time for an LAUP is very manageable.  Most doctors will have you in for the procedure for roughly thirty minutes or so, followed by a post-op for 1-2 hours or sometimes less. Usually the patient will have a severe sore throat up to a week after their visit.  The sore throat will occur after each treatment as well.  Your speech is usually not impacted by the procedures, however you may be inclined not to strain your voice during the day of your appointment.

Uvulopalatoplasty Side Effects

Some doctors do not promote a Uvulopalatoplasty because they believe it will actually have adverse effects on the patient.  A few of their concerns are listed below.

Thermal Damage to the back of the Throat

Some doctors believe that the laser used in an LAUP actually causes damage to the throat and mouth.

Palatal Fibrosis

Palatal fibrosis is the scarring and thickening of your soft palate tissues.  The laser beams are very powerful in this procedure and may cause scar tissue to actually block part of the airway.  If the point of the procedure in the first place is to clear the airway and keep the uvula from blocking it, but the side effect of the procedure may create scar tissue to then block the airway again, seems counterproductive.  This is only speculation by certain doctors, however.

Sleep Apnea

If palatal fibrosis occurs, this can actually start to block the airway and cause sleep apnea.  Some doctors claim that a Uvulopalatoplasty is actually medically induced sleep apnea.

Uvulopalatoplasty vs. uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

LAUP should not be confused with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP or UP3).  LAUP is significantly less invasive, has a shorter recovery time, and is at a lesser risk for having side effects and complications after surgery.  UPPP different from an LAUP in that:

• the tonsils and adenoids are removed
• you are under general anesthesia during the procedure
• the jaw may need to be surgically moved forward
• swelling and excessive bleeding may occur
• the recovery time can take months

Other Surgeries to Treat Snoring

An LAUP is not the only type of surgical procedure that can stop snoring.  There are several other invasive and noninvasive procedures that can be done in an attempt to stop snoring once and for all.

Somnoplasty

A somnoplasty is a popular treatment for snoring.  It involves a series of doctors visits where heat generated energy actually creates scar tissue in the soft palate, making it more tough and hard.  When the soft palate tissues are hard, the vibration of air does not occur in the back of the throat, thus eliminating and preventing snoring from occurring.

Pillar Procedure

The pillar procedure is a simple non-invasive procedure where tiny implants are actually placed under the surface of your soft palate.  They provide a hardening support in the soft palate that deters the palate from vibrating when the airway is blocked.  The vibrating noises start when the fatty tissues of the soft palate vibrate, so with the implants in place, the vibration is not able to occur.  This results in the stopping of your snoring.

Whichever type of procedure you and your doctor end up deciding on, make sure you weigh all of your options carefully.  In the end, the importance of undergoing a surgical treatment to stop snoring is to, well, completely stop the snoring.  Choose the procedure that is the most effective at stopping your snoring once and for all.Share This Post:

When it comes to treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea, there are now more options available than ever. Two of the most popular treatment options are Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy and Oral Appliance Therapy.

There are several variations of both products. For instance, CPAP Therapy may include a number of different types of machines including the Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) and Auto-adjusting CPAP (APAP).

Oral appliance therapy typically includes either a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) or Tongue Stabilizing Device (TSD) sometimes referred to a Tongue Retaining Device (TRD).

While all of these acronyms may seem a bit intimidating, it’s really not as complicated as it may seem. Continue reading to learn more about these treatment options and the pros and cons of each. In the end, we will make a comparison between the two and tell you which one is better.

CPAP Options for Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea

CPAP Machine 

The most basic option for treating sleep apnea is the use of CPAP therapy which involves a machine that blows air through a tube and into a mask that is worn throughout the night. This pressurized air combats obstructive sleep apnea by blowing air down your airway at a pressure that is predetermined by your doctor. Generally speaking, the more severe the obstruction, the greater the force that will be required to clear the obstruction.  This forceful air opens the airway and creates an unobstructed path which allows air to travel. CPAP machines have been considered the ‘Gold Standard” for several years now and are most commonly prescribed by physicians.

Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP)

The BiPAP machine is similar in nature to the CPAP but does offer one key feature that you do not receive with the CPAP.

As the name implies, there are 2 (Bi) separate pressure settings that are set which allow you to breathe more naturally. With a CPAP, one constant pressure setting is blowing at you non-stop throughout the night. While this constant pressure effectively opens the airway while inhaling, exhaling becomes works against your lungs while breathing out. The settings are typically set to an inhale pressure and an exhale pressure with the inhale pressure typically being stronger than the exhale pressure.

Those who have used a standard CPAP machine and switched over to a BiPAP often report a higher level of comfort as they are not fighting against the machine while exhaling.

Auto-Adjusting CPAP (APAP)

The APAP function is fairly self-explanatory. It constantly monitors your breathing and makes an adjustment “automatically” to correct an obstruction. APAP machines are by far the most advanced machines available as they are able to make adjustments on the fly to account for issues such as weight gain/loss, change in position or alcohol an sedative use. Generally speaking, APAP’s are typically issued to those with severe OSA.

Oral Appliance Therapy Used to Treat OSA

Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)

The Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD), also commonly referred to as a Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS) utilizes a concept that is completely different from the CPAP type machines. The device consists of an upper and lower plastic tray that is molded to fit the mouth precisely. The lower tray is connected to the upper tray in order to form the mouthpiece. The trays are typically adjustable which allows your dentist to fine-tune the device to suit your needs.

In order for a MAD to work, it must restrain the jaw in a forward position which pulls and holds the muscles surrounding their airway. This relieves pressure on the airway and permits one to breathe without obstruction. If the lower tray of the mouthpiece is not adjusted far enough forward, it will not be effective. When this occurs, a qualified medical professional can make adjustments in order move the lower tray forward which will offer further advancement of the jaw.

MAD’s have been used to treat obstructive sleep apnea for nearly three decades now and are becoming an increasingly common treatment option for those with obstructive sleep apnea.

Tongue Stabilizing Device (TSD)

The Tongue Stabilizing device (TSD) also known as a Tongue Retaining Device (TRD), is a different type of mouthpiece that is used to perform the same function as a MAD. With the TSD, a small device, which somewhat resembles a pacifier, attaches to the end of the tongue using a suction bulb device. The patient squeezes the bulb, places their tongue inside and allows the device to pull the tongue into place.

With a TSD, the tongue is held forward and it essentially performs the same function as a MAD which is to hold the muscles surround the airway open. TSD’s are a newer technology that has been scientifically proven to be just as effective as a MAD.

One advantage that a TSD has over and MAD is the fact that they are sort of a one-size-fits-all type of product which can be used straight out of the box with no special modifications necessary.

The Difference Between a “Snoring Mouthpiece” and Oral Appliance

If you have spent any time researching Oral Appliance, you have likely come across several over-the-counter type products that are collectively referred to as “snoring mouthpieces”.  You have probably looked at the appliances that are fitted by a doctor and then the DIY style mouthpieces and wondered exactly what the difference between the two. They are very similar in appearance although one costs several hundred dollars more than the other and requires going to a dentist to have it fitted.

Essentially, they are identical when it comes to function. They both hold the jaw forward to clear the airway. However, the similarities end here.

The primary difference between the two has to do with the intended use.

A snoring mouthpiece is used to treat benign snoring which does not include OSA.

Professionally fitted MAD’s are used to treat obstructive sleep apnea. 

It boils down to this: simple snoring does not cause any harm while OSA is more serious and requires the care of a physician to ensure that it’s being used correctly to prevent apnea events. If you believe that you have sleep apnea, visit a qualified medical professional who can assess your condition.

CPAP Machine Vs Oral Appliance

Round 1: Convenience 

CPAP machines, although considered very effective, have a reputation for being inconvenient. There’s the machine itself, a long hose and a mask or nasal pillow. CPAP machines take up space in the bedroom and must be hauled around while traveling.It also requires electricity to operate. They have more moving parts which mean they are more likely to break down.

In comparison, an oral appliance is small, compact, and easy to travel with. There are no moving parts although they may sometimes need repair. Oral appliance can fit into your pocket and can be used without electricity.

The winner is…  The Oral Appliance

Round 2: Comfort

Comfort is a difficult subject when it comes to comparing the oral appliance to a CPAP. The level of comfort experienced by users will vary from one patient to another.

There is certainly no shortage of people reporting that their CPAP is difficult to sleep with due to the mask on their face and air constantly blowing down their throat. These people typically abandon use after just weeks or few days.

By the same token, there are plenty of oral appliance users claim that their device makes their jaw sore and causes drooling throughout the night.

The Winner is… It’s a tie

Round 3: Effectiveness

There is no denying that the CPAP is more effective than the oral appliance. In fact, it’s effective in an estimated 99% of cases which is why doctors prescribe it most often.

In comparison, an oral appliance is effective somewhere around 75% of the time. Some studies suggest that it’s more effective while others say that it’s less.

The Winner is… CPAP

Conclusion

Determining which product is better should be considered on a case-by-case basis. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for treating obstructive sleep apnea.

Those who don’t mind dealing with the awkwardness of a CPAP and are comfortable using the machine may choose to go this route because of its effectiveness.

If the idea of dragging around machine indefinitely is getting you down and you are able to tolerate an oral appliance, this may be a better route to go. It’s important to remember that it’s not as effective as the CPAP. Your doctor will be able to help you determine if an oral appliance is right for you.

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How to Deal With A Snoring Partner – 4 Step Solution to Speaking With Your Spouse

Snoring – it’s a problem that affects over ninety million Americans on a nightly basis. Although snoring is viewed by many in a joking manner, it can very easily cause a serious relationship strain, especially if one of the partners becomes sleep deprived due to being kept up by their significant others snoring. This issue can quickly lead to sleeping in separate bedrooms which some experts believe is bad news for a relationship.

While it’s true that men are more likely to snore than women, you may be surprised to hear that women are not as innocent as one would suspect. It’s estimated that 1 in 3 men snore while women are not far behind with 1 in 5 that snore. Whichever side of the fence you are on, snoring can become an issue and should be addressed in order to prevent further escalation of the problem. Discussing a snoring problem with your partner is not always easy because he or she may feel as if it’s a non issue.  So, how do you go about bringing the issue to your partner and coming up with a solution? Here’s a four-step solution that will help you get the restful night that you deserve.

Step 1: Start With A Conversation  

Tackling the issue or snoring starts with engaging in conversation with your loved one. Approach the situation with a level head while keeping in mind that their snoring is not intentional. It’s very likely that they are not even aware of how their snoring is impacting your sleep. After all, they are asleep and have no idea what goes on once their head hits the pillow. When approaching your partner, be sure to do so in an appropriate setting where you both are relaxed and less likely to overreact or become upset. For instance, discussing your partners snoring after they had a stressful day at work may not be the best time to engage in conversation. For instance, perhaps a low stress time after you have enjoyed a vacation together would be appropriate.

When starting the conversation, approach the topic without blaming the other person. By accusing your partner of intentionally keeping you up at night, you risk them becoming defensive which will get you nowhere fast. You may want to start the conversation off something like this:

“This is no fault of your own, but I haven’t been able to get much sleep lately. You probably don’t know this but you snore at night and I’m unable to fall asleep for several hours. Did you want to talk about this now?” If your partner agrees to talk about it, great, it’s time to continue on with the conversation. If they shut down the idea of discussing their snoring problem, it’s probably best to save the topic for another day.

Once they agree to talk about the problem, further explain to them that your lack of sleep is affecting your mood, alertness, and performance during the day. When going into further detail, describe it in a manner where you are simply explaining your situation and are not necessarily angered by their snoring. You may be surprised to find that your partner is actually embarrassed by their snoring and sympathizes with you.

Step 2: Ensure That Your Partner Understands

Now that your partner is engaged in a conversation, ask what their thoughts are on the situation. Beware, they may jokingly respond by telling you to get earplugs. If your partner is reasonable, they will likely empathize with you and agree to discuss a solution. If they disagree that snoring is an issue, it may take some work to get them to better understand where you are coming from. For instance, you may try to further elaborate by giving examples of how your sleep deprivation is affecting your life and potentially theirs. Perhaps you are so tired by the evening that you constantly take naps and are having difficulty waking up to prepare dinner. Maybe you don’t have the energy to do the activities that you once enjoyed doing together.

Explain how solving this issue can be mutually beneficial for the two of you. You may say “By getting enough sleep at night, I won’t have to take naps in the evening and can have dinner ready in the evening. Place an emphasis on the benefits of solving their snoring problem. With enough convincing and understanding on your partners part, you will be on your way to discussing a solution.

Step 3: Talk About Snoring Solutions

Now that you have opened up the conversation and have your partner agreeing, it’s time to discuss a solution. There are several snoring solutions out there, many are inexpensive (in some cases free) and highly effective.

Before going any further, let’s talk a moment about snoring as it relates to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA is a condition where the person stops breathing for several seconds throughout the night and resumes breathing once again. OSA can cause a number of health problems and is a condition that is grossly under-diagnosed. Unfortunately, one of the primary indicators of sleep apnea is heavy snoring paired with daytime tiredness among other symptoms. While laying awake at night listening to your partner snore, if you have noticed pausing in their breathing, it would be a good idea to have your partner evaluated by a physician to eliminate the possibility of sleep apnea. You don’t want to simply treat a snoring problem if it’s a symptom of OSA.

Moving on, there are countless snoring solutions available on the market. It’s a huge industry as it affects a lot of people. I have personally explored several snoring solutions and can offer my insight into each.

Positional Therapy

Reducing your partner’s snoring is often achievable by having them sleep on their side. If you notice that they snore loudly while on their back but not while on their side, there is a good chance that they are a positional snorer and could benefit from sleeping on their side.

There are several methods that can be used to achieve this. One of the least expensive methods is to have them wear a t-shirt to bed that has a tennis ball affixed to the back with a rubber band. When they try to roll over in their sleep, the tennis ball will be uncomfortable enough to cause them to roll back on their side. This method is fairly effective for most positional snorers.

If you find that your partner rolls over and sleeps on the tennis balls, it may be time to break out the big guns. There are anti-snore bumper belts that are worn around the waist and physically prevent the snorer from rolling over.  These can be purchased for $100 or less.

Weight Loss

While weight loss is not an instant solution, it can be a long-term solution that comes with numerous benefits aside from stopping the snoring. Asking your partner to lose weight may not be taken very lightly when first presented. Go over the overall benefits of losing weight and see if they are interested in doing so. If they are not interested, it’s probably a good idea not to push the idea as your partner will never be committed to losing weight.

Not all who snore are overweight but the two often go together. Being overweight can cause fat in the neck to push against the airway which aggravates snoring. Lose this fat, and the snoring problem will often disappear. If the snoring does not stop, your partner can benefit from the weight loss in several other ways.

Essential oils 

There are a number of different essentials oils that you can try to help relieve your snoring. Lavender, Marjoram, Eucalyptus, and Valor are a few that you may want to consider. While essential oils are not nearly as effective as weight loss or positional therapy, it may be worth giving a try.

Snoring Mouthpiece

A snoring what? Yes, A snoring mouthpiece, also known as a mandibular advancement device. These small devices are available online only and work wonders when it comes to snoring. The mouthpiece usually resembles a mouthpiece that is worn by football players, however, it’s not the same thing as the snoring mouthpiece that actually holds the jaw forward.  An athletic mouth guard is a simple layer of protection that prevents your teeth from becoming damaged during contact sports.

As mentioned, these devices work by holding the jaw forward which tightens the muscles around the airway and allows for unobstructed breathing. Snoring mouthpieces have been around for several years now and are a highly effective snoring solution. I have used several of these devices. You can find a complete list and review of each one here.

Step 4: Take action 

Now that you have presented several solutions, it’s time to decide which one will be best for you and your partner. This is where you may have to compromise a bit. There’s lots of great information on each snoring solution  online which will be helpful when making a decision. Talk about the Pros and Cons of each and decide on a solution together. Once the decision has been made, take action and be supportive of your spouses’ efforts. For instance, if they decide to lose weight, be sure to encourage them along the way.

Dealing with a snoring problem is never easy. Approach the situation carefully by identifying the problem, gaining their understanding, proposing multiple solutions and then choosing one, and finally taking action. Whatever you do, don’t become hostile towards your partner as they will immediately defend their self by building a wall, which will get you nowhere fast.Share This Post:

Snoring has become a serious nuisance in bedrooms across America.  Now 1 in 4 adults snore on a regular basis and of those snorers, many suffer from sleep disorders like sleep apnea.  Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder where you pause your breathing for several seconds or breathe a series of shallow unproductive breaths.  There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

Long-Term Effects of Snoring – Memory Loss and Dementia

Researches are now finding that snoring and sleep apnea may be linked to the early stages of dementia and long-term memory loss.  Snoring is a side effect of sleep apnea, which is becoming a serious epidemic not only in the United States but worldwide.  Over 20 million Americans alone suffer from sleep apnea, many of which don’t even know they have it.

Sleep apnea occurs while you are asleep.  This disorder stops you from breathing hundreds of times during the night without even knowing it.    Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea where your airway becomes obstructed or blocked.  Typically, your breath stops for several seconds and is then followed by a loud gasp for air or snore, slightly awakening you and your partner.

The most recommended treatment for sleep apnea is using a CPAP machine.  This is a continuous positive airway pressure machine that uses a mask and hose connected to a small pump, which constantly pumps air into your nose through the face mask.  The machine maintains positive air pressure, like its name, constantly throughout the night.

If you are not using a CPAP machine to treat sleep apnea, researchers are now finding evidence that the lack of oxygen being delivered to the brain due to sleep apnea may actually expedite memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s.  Have you ever woke up in the morning and just felt exhausted?  Most likely, this is due to you snoring the night before and your body is actually not getting the deep sleep you need.  If you feel tired during the day and find that you are not on top of your work or daily routine, you may be suffering from sleep apnea.  If you think you are showing signs of sleep apnea, you should consult your doctor so they can administer a sleep

study and analyze your sleeping patterns.

Memory Loss and Snoring

The lack of oxygen to the brain is not good for your heart, liver, or your mind.  It’s important that you have constant airflow to the brain at all times.  Many Americans may be suffering from sleep apnea and not even be aware of it.  This may be laying the brickwork for early stages of memory loss and dementia.

How Snoring Impacts the Brain

When the oxygen airflow to the brain decreases due to sleep apnea, the blood flow to the brain also slows down at that same time.  When you start breathing again, oxygen flows normally back to the brain, as does the blood.  There has been a link to Alzheimer’s  and sleep apnea because many Alzheimer patients have slow blood flow to the brain.  This slow blood flow is seen during the time period of when your body stops breathing due to sleep apnea.  It’s difficult to make this direct correlation, however, scientists continue to study how the two relate.

Snoring and Dementia Studies

A study conduced by Ricardo Osorio, MD for the American Academy of Neurology journal, had some surprising results that could link sleep apnea to the early stages of memory loss and dementia.  The study involved a group of nearly 2500 people.  Ages ranged from 50-90  years of age and were categorized into three groups:

1. Great memory and no cognitive memory loss
2. Those having mild cognitive impairment
3. Those with Alzheimer’s

Mild Cognitive Impairment linked to Sleep Apnea

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is when a person’s memory and basic thinking skills start to decline.  It is usually noticeable to close friends or family but does not interfere with one’s daily routine.  It does put one at risk for developing dementia or Alzheimer’s.   There are two types of MCI: amnestic and nonamnestic.

Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment

Amnestic simply means having a loss of memories.  Those with amnestic MCI are unable to recall recent memories or events that should have been “easy” to remember.  Examples include a hair appointment, a recent dinner they attended, or a phone call from a friend.

Nonamnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment

Nonamnestic MCI describes a person who is actually faltering at making decisions.  They have a difficult time processing the correct order of a sequence of events or do not understand why something is being done a certain way.

Alzheimer’s Patients

Alzheimer’s is a specific type of dementia.  Dementia is a common term for the loss of cognitive memories.  Alzheimer’s, specifically, is a slow starting disease that can take years to worsen.  The most common symptom of Alzheimer’s is severe memory loss where one forgets how to conduct a normal daily routine.

Separately, the study placed the participants into 3 groups based on their breathing throughout the night:

• those without breathing problems throughout the night
• those with breathing problems throughout the night that was being treated
• those with breathing problems that were not being treated

The conclusions of the study found that those with breathing issues throughout the night were actually diagnosed with one form of MCI about 7-10 years earlier than those who did not experience breathing problems while they slept.  Another interesting conclusion that links snoring and sleep apnea to MCI or dementia is that the participants that were treating their breathing problems with a CPAP machine had a prolonged MCI diagnosis of nearly 10 years later than people who were not treating their breathing problem during sleep.

A separate study done by students at UCLA showed that people suffering from sleep apnea showed a loss of brain tissues that are responsible for storing memories.  The researchers from the David Geffen School of Medicine claimed that the interrupted breathing patterns and oxygen levels being delivered to the brain can result in substantial brain damage over time.

How snoring stops oxygen to the brain

The body needs oxygen to survive, clearly.  However, the brain needs an uninterrupted flow in order to function properly.  Future research will involve the studying of dementia and Alzheimer’s patients in depth in order to confirm a direct correlation between sleep apnea and memory loss.  For now, the evidence is shockingly clear.  Undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea has also been linked to heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure.  All of these are serious conditions and can be prevented if sleep apnea is treated.

There are several ways to treat sleep apnea and snoring separately.  Over the counter, products can be purchased to treat snoring, or you can treat snoring naturally by using essential oils or performing various yoga exercises.  There are also several surgeries that can treat sleep apnea – it’s best to check out all of the options available and choose the one that’s right for you.

Please consult your doctor if you think you or a loved one may have a sleep disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea.  The earlier you are diagnosed and can start using a CPAP machine for treatment, the quicker you are to achieve a good night’s rest and start to feel like you have your energy back once again.

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An alternative anti-snoring method or procedure to stop sleep apnea and snoring is a somnoplasty.  The procedure is common and involves injecting radiofrequency energy and heat to create scar tissue in the back of the mouth and throat.

Somnoplasty Cost

Somnoplasty Side Effects

Numbness Right After the Procedure

Sore Throat

Tightness in the Back of the Mouth

No Snoring

Is a Somnoplasty Effective?

There are however a few factors that may prohibit the procedure from being effective but aren’t likely for the general population.  If you have a deviated septum or a harsh nasal deformity, the procedure may not be as effective.  Some doctors also ask patients ahead of time if they severe allergies or have experienced an infection of the upper respiratory system recently.  As these, both can also impact the effectiveness of the somnoplasty.

Other Procedures to Treat Sleep Apnea and Snoring

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty or UPPP Surgery

Maxillomandibular Advancement

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Does Smoking Cause You to Snore?

As a smoker, throughout the years you have probably heard all of the reasons why smoking is dangerous – emphysema, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and even lung cancer just to name a few. Smoking effects everything from your heart to lungs and causes nearly half a million deaths per year in the United States alone.

While all of this may not be news to you, here’s something that you have likely never heard: The research is in and snoring may be caused by smoking. Several studies have been conducted to confirm this notion.

One Swedish study used a questionnaire to ask 15,000 people about their smoking and snoring habits. Those who participated were between the ages of 25-54. The results were quite astonishing. Only 14% of non-smokers were considered habitual snorers while 24% of smokers were habitual snorers. In order to be considered a “habitual snorer” one must snore loudly for at least 3 nights per week.

Another study examined the relationship between smoking and obstructive sleep apnea by examining articles in Medline up until 2014 and suggested that there is a relationship between the two. While snoring and OSA are not the same, they are often closely related to each other as snoring typically exists in those who have sleep apnea.

How Does Smoking Cause Snoring?

So, it’s true. Smoking does cause snoring and the more cigarettes that you smoke per day, the more likely you are to snore. A two pack a day smoker is twice as likely to snore as a one pack a day snorer. Why is this the case? Exactly how does smoking cause snoring?

When you smoke, whether it’s cigarettes, marijuana, or any other substance, smoke enters the mouth and travels through the airway. As the smoke passes down the airway, into the lungs and out the mouth and nose, it irritates the surrounding tissue. Irritation causes inflammation which is simply swelling of the tissue surrounding the airway.

While there are several reasons why we snore, restricted airflow in the airways is by far the most common. Imagine blowing through a plastic straw and pinching it off at one point. This is exactly what happens when you smoke. The airway becomes inflamed, swells up and air must pass through an already narrow area such as around the throat. When this occurs, the movement of air causes loose tissue in the airway to move and collide with each other. This is where we get the sound of snoring. The more that you smoke, the more pronounced the sound of snoring as the airway becomes increasingly smaller.

Why it’s Important to Address Snoring Now?

Now that the relationship between smoking and snoring has been established, the next question is “Why should I be concerned about snoring caused by smoking?”.

While most people consider snoring a laughing matter, it can actually cause marital problems and may even be a sign of the more serious related condition of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Snoring May Disturb Your Bedroom Partner

As a sleep-deprived nation, the average American sleeps less than seven hours per night. For several years, the number one bedroom disturbance has been snoring. Since over 25% of couples are habitual snorers, this bedroom nuisance can often lead to disputes, sleeping in separate bedrooms and ultimately divorce.

Often times, the offending partner may not view their snoring as an issue. The partner who must lay awake in bed and constantly wake they’re significant other may view their snoring differently.

If your partner is constantly complaining that your snoring is disturbing their sleep, it’s probably time to do something about it. With nearly 50% of marriages ending in divorce, snoring is not a condition that should be taken lightly.

Snoring is an Indicator of Sleep Apnea

While it may be tempting to simply ignore a snoring problem, you may want to consider that snoring is one of the most common signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a condition in which breathing stops for several seconds before resuming again. This is caused by the narrowing of the airway.

With sleep apnea, the body never achieves a restful night of sleep because it’s startled awake several times throughout the night. In addition to being told that you snore, you may also notice that you are constantly tired throughout the day and may even fall asleep while at work or in the car. These are telltale signs of sleep apnea and should not be ignored. Sleep apnea places a strain on your cardiovascular system and can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke among other issues.

If you suspect that your snoring is related to sleep apnea, consider speaking with your doctor who may recommend further testing.

Other Reasons Why You May Snore

While it’s certain that there is a relationship between smoking and snoring, it should be mentioned that snoring may be caused by a number of other conditions. It’s possible that two or more causes may coexist. Below are a few other causes of snoring that may not be related to smoking.

Being Overweight 

Perhaps the most common cause is snoring is carrying extra weight. This can be especially true for males who tend to carry extra weight in the neck area.

While overweight, extra fat tends to accumulate around the airway. This can be problematic for those who sleep on their back as the weight of the fat in the surrounding area will place force against the airway, causing a restriction. Men with neck circumferences of over 16.5″ and women with a circumference of over 15″ are at higher risk of developing snoring or in some cases OSA.

Drinking Alcohol & Using Sedatives

While not completely accurate, there’s a saying that goes “smokers drink and drinkers smoke”. In other words, if you smoke, you likely drink alcohol and vice-versa. For many, alcohol and tobacco go together.

The issue with drinking alcohol is that it causes the muscles in the body to relax. While some find that having a drink or two before bed helps them to fall asleep, it may actually affect their quality of sleep.

One of the issues with snoring and sleep apnea is that the jaw relaxes and falls backward which reduces the opening of the airway. As mentioned, a reduced airway causes resistance when air tries to travel past. This resistance causes snoring and if the area becomes completely blocked off, apnea occurs. Alcohol and sedative use compounds this problem by relaxing muscles surrounding the airway.

Airway Abnormalities

Airway abnormalities, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps may be to blame for a snoring problem. Air must travel past such obstructions in order to reach the lungs. This situation can often lead to snoring. Medical treatment may be necessary to correct such issues.

How to Quit Smoking

If you have tried to stop smoking but have been unsuccessful, there’s plenty of helpful information out there that can assist in your endeavor.

Smokefree.gov is a website that offers helpful tips and tools that will assist in your journey to becoming smoke-free. They offer expert help and even two Smokefree apps – QuitGuide and quitSTART. These apps can help track and manage cravings, allow you to create journal entries and even provide games to distract you from smoking.

Quitting smoking is a very large topic and is beyond the scope of this article. In summary, here are a few items that you may want to consider.

• Write down your goals and review them frequently
• Identify and eat healthy snacks as your appetite typically increases
• Toss ashtrays, lighters and other items related to smoking
• Adopt a new hobby to pass time
• Consider nicotine replacements such as patches or gum
• Avoid alcohol
• Reward yourself
• Find a way to relax often
• Create a money jar and fill it with cash for every time you would ordinarily buy a pack of cigarettes
• If at first you don’t succeed, try again

Helpful Over The Counter Products For Snoring

If you are in search of a product that will help with your snoring, there are actually several over-the-counter device that can be purchased which can help. Products such as nasal dilators, snoring pillows, and essential oils can all be helpful. However, one highly effective product that I use on a nightly basis is called a snoring mouthpiece. Several companies make this product and it’s the most effective snoring solution currently available.

While quitting smoking should be the ultimate goal, you can use over-the-counter anti-snoring products to help in the meantime.Share This Post:

Can High Blood Pressure be Caused by Snoring?

You may have heard it before – Snoring can lead to high blood pressure. This is a statement that is commonly repeated but is it really true? Is it possible that this seemingly innocent little sound made by millions of people each night can be the cause of such a serious issue?

Snoring by itself is a sleep-related breathing issue in which air does not flow freely in and out of the lungs. As air passes through, it’s often met with resistance from an airway that is out of tone due to a number of reasons which include everything from abnormal anatomical structure to being overweight. When resistance occurs, moving air may cause the tissues within the airway to vibrate against each other, resulting in the sound of snoring.

A surprising number of people who snore also have a condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA in which the airway collapses and breathing momentarily ceases. This can happen repeatedly throughout the night. Those who have OSA are often plagued with high blood pressure and are placed on prescription drugs to help keep it under control.

The Relationship Between OSA, Snoring, and High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can lead to a number of serious medical conditions including hardening of the arteries, stroke, heart attack, and congestive heart failure to name a few. In fact, the number one and number three causes of death in the US are heart disease and stroke. It’s a condition that affects nearly 1 in 3 Americans and has a $46 billion dollar annual impact on the US economy.  Needless to say, high blood pressure is a serious and common condition that should be taken seriously.

Snoring often precedes OSA and it is also very common in those who already have sleep apnea. It’s important to note that although the two are very closely related, either one can occur independently, meaning that you can snore and not have OSA or you can have OSA and not snore.

We know that there is a relationship between snoring and sleep apnea, now what about the relationship between high blood pressure and OSA? How does sleep apnea affect blood pressure?

The body has an amazing way of taking care of itself with defense mechanisms. Our bodies perform unconscious actions each and every day in order to keep us alive. Keeping this in mind, let’s go over how sleep apnea and high blood pressure are related.

With OSA, your air supply is blocked off. When you shut off breathing, blood oxygen levels are greatly reduced. Your body responds by sending a surge of adrenaline from your adrenaline glands and a chain reaction occurs. Suddenly, the adrenaline causes your heart to race and respiration to increase. This surge in your heart rate causes blood pressure to rise to high levels. As a result, you are startled awake and resume breathing. Normal breathing is short lived – as you fall back asleep, your airway relaxes and the process repeats again and again throughout the night. The result is that you never achieve the full cycle of sleep and you wake up tired day after day. This cycle of blood pressure spikes can have a lasting effect even while awake.

For this reason, those who exhibit signs of sleep apnea and also have high blood pressure are encouraged to speak with their doctor about being tested for OSA.

Simply stated, snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea and sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure which can lead to a number of other health problems.

How Can I Treat High Blood Pressure That is Caused by Sleep Apnea?

If you suspect that sleep apnea is causing your high blood pressure, it only makes sense to treat the cause instead of taking medications to control the symptoms. In many cases, blood pressure will lower once sleep apnea is treated.

Start by having a discussion with your doctor about the possibility of the presence of sleep apnea and if it may be causing or a contributing factor to your blood pressure. If you are showing signs of OSA, your doctor may recommend a sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram. During a sleep study, a number of sensors will be connected to your body to monitor heart rate, blood oxygen levels, respiration, brain activity, as well as other activities. You will spend a couple nights in a sleep laboratory where a technician will monitor you as you sleep. Afterwards, interpretations will be made by the sleep specialist.

If the presence of sleep apnea is found, what treatment options may your doctor suggest?

Weight Loss and CPAP Machine

For years, patients who were diagnosed with OSA were given a CPAP machine, since this has been long considered the “gold standard” treatment options. A CPAP machine blows a constant stream of air into the nose and mouth to force the airway to stay open throughout the night.

These days, the approach to treating OSA has changed slightly. CPAP machines have a reputation for being difficult to sleep with and uncomfortable. For this reason, compliance is quite low for those who are issued a CPAP for treatment. Once on a CPAP machine, patients will always depend on it every night for the remainder of their life.

Instead of simply issuing just a CPAP, new guidelines set by the American Acadamy of Sleep medicine now suggests weight loss in addition to CPAP use. The truth is, those who are overweight and have sleep apnea may find that their condition disappears after losing weight. Sleep apnea is often caused by excessive fat in the neck which pushes against the airway. While sleeping, the muscles that are used to support the jaw relax. This causes the jaw and the related muscles to move backward which causes a narrowing of the airway. Extra fat compounds this issue by exerting more pressure on the airway. By simply losing weight, this fat is no longer a contributing factor to sleep apnea.

Oral Appliances 

The oral appliances, although not as popular as the CPAP, are another effective treatment option for sleep apnea. An oral appliance is a small device that fits inside of the mouth and is used to hold the jaw forward. As mentioned, during sleep the jaw relaxes causing muscles and fat in the neck area to press against the airway resulting in a restriction or blockage. An oral appliance prevents these muscles from relaxing because it holds the jaw forward into position.

An oral appliance is sometimes referred to as mouthpieces, mouth guards, or in the case of over the counter snoring products, they are called snoring mouthpieces. While not as popular as a CPAP treatment, these devices are quickly gaining popularity as they are more compact, require no electricity, and are generally more comfortable to sleep with.

As with the CPAP machine, the best approach to eliminating sleep apnea is to lose wight in addition to following your doctor’s orders by using the treatment option that is issued to you.

Is My Weight Really the Problem?

Carrying extra weight can not only cause sleep apnea but a number of other health problems. Sleep apnea by itself will cause your blood pressure to spike. It’s well known that being overweight also causes issues with high blood pressure as your cardiovascular system is working extra hard to carry around that extra fat. By being overweight and having sleep apnea, this compounds the issue of having high blood pressure.

Being over weight can cause not only high blood pressure and sleep apnea but a number of other health conditions. While losing weight is not guaranteed to cure sleep apnea, it will be a step in the right direction and provide a number of other health benefits.

Summary

There is a clear relationship between snoring, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure. While they are all related to each other, in some cases all three are simply caused by being overweight. Rather than relying on a long-term medical device to support you indefinitely, consider weight loss as a long-term solution to these and other health problems. If diagnosed with OSA, follow your doctors orders which may include the use of a CPAP machine or oral appliance. If you are overweight, make it a goal to lose weight. After losing weight, it’s possible that sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and a number of other conditions disappear and your doctor may decide to take you off the CPAP or oral appliance.Share This Post:

The Science Behind Yoga

Yoga is based on Hinduism and Buddhism practices that date back to ancient India during the 11th century.  It’s a set of mental and physical exercises, movements, and breathing techniques that not only benefit you physically but mentally.  Yoga directs the mind to focus on specific body moments and breathing patterns in order to relax, strengthen, and sculpt the respiratory and nervous systems, as well as muscles in your body.  Yoga is often performed for its health benefits and relieves stress and anxiety.  Yoga exercises and breathing routines can result in a reduction or elimination of snoring.

How Yoga Stops Snoring

There are several reasons why snoring occurs. One reason is that you may experience nasal or respiratory congestion.  If you have asthma problems or sinus issues, the probability that you snore is very likely.  Certain yoga poses below target respiratory problems and can significantly help with airflow in order to reduce your snoring.

The Bow Pose

Another reason you may snore is the fact that your throat and neck tissues are inflamed and are actually limiting the amount of airflow to your lungs.  When this occurs, your tissues start to vibrate.  This vibration then results in a noise, which is the sound of snoring.  These breathing exercises and yoga poses below can decrease inflammation in the body, resulting in opening up your airway and reducing or eliminating snoring.

Yoga Poses for Snoring

The Bow Pose – Dhanurasana

The bow pose targets respiratory ailments and normalizes breathing.   It also helps with fatigue and anxiety.  The bow pose can help with snoring because it opens your airways and allows you to experience deeper and fuller breathes.  Dhanurasana is achieved by laying on your stomach and pulling your legs and arms up towards the center of your back until you can grab your feet.  You can perform this pose for 25-30 seconds and repeat 2-3 times.

Bhujangasan – Cobra Pose for Snoring

The Cobra pose is another yoga stretch that helps to diminish snoring.  The pose stretches out your spine and in doing so, opens up your airway to the lungs.  It’s often performed by people with asthma issues and respiratory ailments.  One cause of snoring is by a blockage in your airway.  When your airway is partially blocked, the flow of air passes through the fatty tissues of the mouth and throat which cause a loud vibration sound – snoring.  By doing the cobra pose, you can open up your airway and promote the flow of oxygen.  This pose will not only help treat your snoring, but it’s also known to alleviate stress and tension.

The cobra pose is achieved by laying on your belly and placing your palms (fingertips forward) at your side and in line with your shoulder blades. Lift your chest up and head upwards without placing much weight on your hands.  When your elbow reaches a 90-degree angle, this is Low Cobra.  If you can fully extend your arms, without straining your spine, then this is called High Cobra.  Both low cobra and high cobra poses are great for treating snoring.  Hold the pose for 25-30 seconds.  You can repeat the pose up to 5 times.

The Cobra Pose

Chanting Om to Stop Snoring

Chanting the om mantra clears your mind and promotes calmness.  Om is an actual vibration you create by chanting the four syllables of Om which are A, U, M, and the silent syllable.  The syllables are pronounced as follows:

A – “awwe”

U-  “ohhh”

M- “mmmm”

Silent – the transition and fading away from “mmm” to silence

The mantra is said to bring a relaxing feeling to your entire body as your chest vibrates from making the sounds.  Om vibrates at the same frequency as everything in nature and the universe – 432 hertz.  It’s not only a spiritual connection to the earth but mental and physical as well.  Some people snore because they enter such a deep sleep from stress and anxiety, that their throat muscles relax too much and actually block their airway – which causes snoring.  If you chant the om on a regular basis, it will decrease your tension and clear your mind, thus creating less stress in your life, normal sleeping patterns, and no snoring.

Nadi Shodhana Pranayama – Nostril Breathing for Snoring

Nadi Shodhana Pranayama

Nadi Shodhana is another great yoga exercise you can perform to eliminate snoring.  It focuses on promoting oxygen flow throughout the body and targets your respiratory and nervous systems.  It’s practiced by many people who suffer from allergies, wheezing, stress, and anxiety.  We know that snoring can be caused by nasal and respiratory congestion, so practicing Nadi Shodhana, or nasal breathing, can significantly help with treating your snoring.

Nadi shodhana is best performed in the early morning on an empty stomach.  It is practiced while sitting upright in a chair or cross-legged on the floor.  It’s a series of deep breaths that are taken through one nostril at a time, both inhaling and exhaling.  The breathes are meant to be exhaled from deep within the body, mentally navigating the air down through the head, into the face, throat, spine, heart, lung, spleen, kidney, reproduction organs, and down through the pelvis. The process of inhalation navigates upward through those same organs again and out through only one nostril.

This nostril breathing exercise provides great rewards if practiced for five minutes daily.  The breathing routine can be repeated 4-5 times and can reduce snoring once a routine breathing exercise habit is achieved.  It also helps with throat swelling and irritation and promotes circulation in the body.

Kapalbhati Pranayama – Skull Shining Breathing

Kapalbhati pranayama is another breathing technique that can reduce or eliminate snoring.  It is said to be a natural weight loss stimulate as it increases the metabolic rate.  The focus of these breathing exercises is to exhale and throw the breath out.

Sit with your legs crossed and your hands on your knees, palm side up.  Take a deep breathe while pulling your navel back to the spine and pulling your stomach back also.  Remember to stay relaxed and not to strain your spine or abdomen.  Breathing in should come naturally, but remain focused on the powerful exhales.  Repeat this type of breathing 15-20 times.  This is one full round.  Relax with closed eyes and enjoy the open airway and calmness of the body.  Repeat for 2 additional rounds.  This breathing exercise like many other yoga breathing practices helps with sleep and insomnia too.  It promotes circulation and clears the lungs.

How Often Should you do Yoga to Prevent Snoring

Yoga poses and breathing exercises should be practiced on a regular basis.  If you can sculpt out a certain time of day that is reserved just for yoga and breathing, then that will be the most effective way to stay in a routine.  Many people practice yoga first thing in the morning in order to clear their mind for the day.  It’s best to perform yoga and breathing exercises on an empty stomach as well.

Yoga is not for everyone and it should be gradually introduced into your daily routine.  If you are looking for a natural remedy to stop your snoring, you should start with the breathing exercises above.  If you enjoy them and feel rejuvenated after practicing them for a few days, then add in the other yoga poses.  It will be worth the effort, especially when you notice your snoring drastically decreases.  Yoga will not only help your snoring, but will also give you a peaceful mind, relieve stress, and reduce tension in the body.Share This Post: