Snoring & Sleep Disorders
Snoring is a vibration of respiratory structures during sleep, which results in occurrence of specific and unpleasant sound. An annoying problem, which can cause troubles not only to those, who sleep around the snoring person, but also to the snorer himself. Snoring symptoms are headaches, irritability, hypersomnia, etc. Solutions to treat this problem range from non-invasive CPAP therapy to UPPP surgery, depending on the severity of the condition and individual preferences of the patient. Below you can find more detailed information about snoring, the symptoms it causes, except of the loud noise, as well as ways to diagnose and treat this problem.
Sleep problems, including snoring, sleep apnea, insomnia, sleep deprivation, and restless legs syndrome, are common. Good sleep is necessary for optimal health and can affect hormone levels, mood and weight.
Snoring is a common condition that can affect anyone, although it occurs more frequently in men and people who are overweight. Snoring has a tendency to worsen with age. Occasional snoring is usually not very serious and is mostly a nuisance for your bed partner. However, if you are a habitual snorer, you not only disrupt the sleep patterns of those close to you, but you also impair your own sleep quality. Medical assistance is often needed for habitual snorers (and their loved ones) to get a good night’s sleep.
SNORING SYMPTOMS
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Hypertension
- Irritability
- Hypersomnia
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Slow reaction
- Emotional (difficulty in controlling emotions)
TREATMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR SNORING & SLEEP DISORDERS
CPAP therapy
To keep your airway open during sleep, a machine at your bedside blows pressurized air into a mask that you wear over your nose or face.
UPPP surgery
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is surgery for treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. It removes excess soft palate tissue and opens the airway. In addition, the remaining tissue stiffens as it heals, thereby minimizing tissue vibration. The size of the air passage may be further enlarged when a tonsillectomy is added to the procedure.
Mandibular Advancement Devices
A mandibular advancement device (MAD) is a dental appliance, similar to a gum shield, sometimes used to treat mild OSA. They are not generally recommended for more severe OSA, although they may be an option if you are unable to tolerate using a CPAP device. An MAD is worn over your teeth when you are asleep. It is designed to hold your jaw and tongue forward to increase the space at the back of your throat and reduce the narrowing of your airway that causes snoring. Off-the-shelf MADs are available from specialist websites, but most experts do not recommend them, as poor-fitting MADs can make symptoms worse. It is recommended you have an MAD made for you by a dentist with training and experience in treating sleep apnea.
DIAGNOSING SNORING & SLEEPING DISORDER
- Sleep study (Polysomnography): Polysomnography, also called a sleep study, is a test used to diagnose sleep disorders. Polysomnography records your brain waves, the oxygen level in your blood, heart rate and breathing, as well as eye and leg movements during the study. Polysomnography usually is done at a sleep disorders unit within a hospital or at a sleep center. You’ll be asked to come to the sleep center in the evening for polysomnography so that the test can record your nighttime sleep patterns. Polysomnography is occasionally done during the day to accommodate shift workers who habitually sleep during the day. In addition to helping diagnose sleep disorders, polysomnography may be used to help adjust your treatment plan if you’ve already been diagnosed with a sleep disorder.