Ever wondered whether you snore? Concerned that you snore? Is your snoring getting worse or becoming more of an issue? If you’ve answered ”yes” to any of these questions, this blog’s for you. Guided by our ENT specialist, Doctor Jon Hughes, our London-based team have put together some answers to common snoring questions – including whether you have it, and how to treat it when it becomes a problem.
So, what is snoring?
Let’s start by defining what snoring means. While many people consider snoring to be a snorting type of noise, there are lots of different sounds that can be made by the nose and throat while you’re asleep, from whistling to rumbling and even very quiet vibrations.
How do I know if I snore?
People who are solo sleepers don’t always know if they snore, but if you’re in a couple and snore, it’s likely your partner has brought it to your attention. If you’re not certain, you could consider recording audio of yourself sleeping. Or, you might have some other signs and symptoms of snoring – like a sore throat, tiredness and frequent waking in the night.
What causes snoring?
Snoring happens when the airways are blocked during sleep. It might be your tongue, you might keep opening your mouth while asleep, or your nose might be blocked. People most at risk of developing snoring are those who:
– Smoke
– Drink to excess
– Sleep on their back
– Are overweight
When should I see a doctor?
Snoring treatment is available, and can help – especially in cases where your sleep (or your partner’s sleep) is being impacted. It’s really important to see your doctor if you find yourself feeling sleepy, or even falling asleep, during the day. And if lifestyle changes aren’t helping – like losing weight – there may be another cause.
What about sleep apnoea?
We’re glad you asked. This is an incredibly serious condition where your airways become blocked as you sleep. Instead of some of the snoring sounds we’ve mentioned, you might instead make a gasping or choking noise. You’ll also likely feel excessively tired during the day, with it affecting your work, social life and mood.
How is snoring diagnosed?
Our ENT Specialist can check your mouth and nose for problems and obstructions. We might also ask about what your snoring sounds like. We can carry out additional tests if needed.
What about snoring treatments?
There are several snoring treatments we can try. These include mandibular devices which reposition your tongue; chin straps to gently close your mouth; vestibular shields which help you to breathe through your nose; and nasal dilators that hold your nose open while you sleep. You could also try snoring treatments like nasal sprays, which combat inflammation.
What about snoring surgery?
This is also an option, and our ENT Specialist can advise on this further, as it depends on the individual case. Snoring surgery can be more effective than other treatments. One of the things we can try is to remove excess tissue in your throat, which helps to widen your airway and reduce the vibrations responsible for snoring sounds.
What should I do next?
We’d advise booking with our London team to diagnose your snoring and advise on appropriate treatments. Find all the details on our contact page.