IMPORTANT NOTE: This is not a medical site. You should always discuss medical matters with your doctor.

Snoring

We all know what snoring is, we al know what it sounds like. Some of us are snorers, others have to suffer during the night. Yet few people really know much about snoring or its causes.

Snoring Facts

Snoring is a significant social problem that is rarely treated with the seriousness it deserves. It is estimated that up to one person in five snores regularly, with more men than women doing so - though of course it is the snorer's partner who usually suffers most at night. That said, some really bad snorers do wake themselves up (I speak from personal experience).

Snoring varies from occasional to constant and from mild to severe. A typical snorer usually produces a noise that averages around 60 decibels (about the level of normal speech) but with some people this can reach 80 or even 90 decibels!

Although snoring is usually physically harmless it can produce problems for the snorer's partner through sleep deprivation. Snoring can also result in relationship problems.

Causes and Cures

There are various possible causes of snoring, most involve a blockage of the air passages whilst we sleep. One important fact about snoring is that it might be a sign of sleep apnea (more accurately, Obstructive Sleep Apnea - OSA). Severe sleep apnea can lead to a variety of other problems including heart disease and stroke - if you suspect you suffer from sleep apnea, see your doctor.

How to Stop Snoring

Are there any snoring cures that work? Yes, but the most successful remedies are medical procedures such as the Pillar Palatal Implant System. Surgery is a last resort to be turned to only if recommended by your doctor.

There are a number of non-medical approaches to help reducing snoring using a variety of anti-snore techniques, treatments and devices. The effectiveness of these will depend on exactly why you snore in the first place. What works for one person might be useless for someone else. The only way you'll find out is by buying a few and trying them out. If in doubt, consult your doctor or a medical professional.