Snore And Sleep Apnea
WHY DO WE SNORE?
The area where the tongue root, uvula, soft palate and tonsils meet with the nasal region is a region that can narrow naturally. During sleep, the air passage area narrows with the relaxation of the muscles in this area. Thus, the passing air creates vibration in the loose tissues, causing snoring. Thick and fatty neck tissue in obese people and large tonsils and adenoids in children are the most common causes of snoring. When people with nasal congestion breathe, excessive vacuum occurs in the nasal cavity. This vacuum pulls the shrinkable tissues in the throat towards the airway, so that the person who does not snore when the nose is open begins to snore. Deviation problems with nasal congestion, nasal concha enlargement, polyps can cause snoring. Soft palate, long uvula or sagging in the mouth narrow the airway and cause snoring. During sleep, relaxation occurs in the tongue and throat muscles. Loose muscles, especially when lying on your back, cannot prevent the tongue from moving towards the back of the throat. The intake of alcohol or atactic drug causes this muscle relaxation. Thus, snoring also increases.
WHY DO MEN SNORE MORE?
The reason why men snore more is that lubrication is concentrated mainly in the hip area in women, and around the neck and abdomen in men. Especially in overweight men, this situation increases intrathoracic pressure by the pressure of the abdominal mass on the diaphragm while lying down (especially in the supine position). With the tongue in the mouth moving backwards and the relaxation of the soft tissues and muscles around the pharynx with sleep, the conditions that will cause snoring occur. Differences in women's musculature are also thought to reduce snoring. After menopause, as a result of hormonal changes, women's muscles begin to resemble those of men, and after a certain age, the snoring rate of women approaches and even equals men.
CAN SNORING BE TREATED?
Many types of snoring can be treated. Simple snoring can be treated with some precautions to be taken. For adults who snore, the recommendations listed below should be followed.
Ideal body weight should be achieved
To gain a good muscle tone, a sporty lifestyle should be chosen.
People who snore should not take sleeping pills, tranquilizers and allergy medications called antihistamines before sleep.
Avoid drinking alcohol 4 hours before sleep.
Avoid heavy meals 3 hours before sleep.
Excessive fatigue should be avoided.
It is preferable to lie on the side instead of lying on your back during sleep.
Sewing a tennis ball to the back of the pajama back is still a useful method, as an old recommendation. This prevents sleeping on your back. Allow time for people who do not snore at home to fall asleep before you do.
It is known that being overweight is one of the most important causes of snoring. It was observed that snoring was significantly reduced in 80% of patients who were overweight and subsequently lost weight.
ARE THERE OTHER TREATMENT OPTIONS?
In some mild cases, intraoral tools may be useful for a while. With special materials called PILLAR placed in the soft palate, it is tried to reduce snoring by providing stiffness in the soft palate in suitable patients.
