Overview

Snoring can be a symptom of an underlying health problem called sleep apnea, which results from the closure of the airway from the lungs to the nasal/oral cavity by the soft tissue in the back of the throat. This tissue includes the tongue, tonsils, uvula and fatty tissues in the throat.

During sleep when the jaw drops backwards (usually when sleeping on the back) the airway shuts and the body must force the air through this blockage. The resulting vibration of the soft tissue creates the sound we call snoring.

The most obvious complications from snoring are social, but of more concern are the resulting health compromises this causes which medical professionals refer to as sleep apnea-a reduced amount of oxygen to the lungs, blood, tissues and cells that results from less air being pulled into the lungs from outside the body.

Associated Problems

Lack of oxygen due to snoring results in fatigue and lowered cognition. It also increases the chance of heart attack (heart muscle damage) and impotence. Plus, anaerobic microbes flourish with reduced oxygen uptake, increasing the chance of more infections throughout the body contributing to the formation of numerous diseases and symptoms such as chronic fatigue, cancer, heart disease, chronic pain (e.g. arthritis), yeast overgrowth and several neurodegenerative diseases.

Treatment/Solutions

There are both surgical and non-surgical approaches one can take to reduce snoring and increase oxygen uptake in the body during sleep.

Surgical

The soft tissue is removed from the throat area with a scalpel, however this leaves scars and can promote post-operative complications. There is also a chance of recurrence.

Non-Surgical

A widely proven, less-invasive therapy involves a dental appliance referred to as a snoring cessation device. It is constructed to keep the jaw forward or to stimulate a tongue-forward position during sleep. Brand names include Silent Night and Snoregard. Such devices prevent the airway from being blocked; snoring is reduced or eliminated and a higher level of oxygen saturation in blood and tissues is achieved.

Schedule an Appointment

To get a snoring cessation device, or to learn more about snoring and sleep apnea, contact Natural Horizons Wellness Centers at (877)-292-1571.