What Is the Most Effective Treatment for Snoring?

Yes, it is normal to snore; just about everyone snores at some point throughout their life. In fact, snoring is so prevalent that roughly 57 percent of adult men and 40 percent of women snore; it also affects about 10 to 12 percent of children. A quarter of snorers are considered habitual snorers; that is, they snore on a regular basis, almost every night. Snoring on its own is usually considered a harmless—albeit highly disruptive—phenomenon, but for some people, it indicates a more serious underlying medical condition or sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea, which can be life-threatening.

There is no medication to prevent snoring; in fact, certain medications, like sedatives (used in sleeping pills) can actually increase the likelihood of snoring as they relax the muscles, which leads to more vibrations and louder snoring. However, because snoring is not considered a problem on its own, it typically is not treated unless it is caused by a more serious condition, such as sleep apnea. Conversely, the treatment for sleep apnea does not involve medicine but instead focuses on opened airways and unobstructed airflow. This is achieved with the use of oral appliances that hold the tongue down, mandibular advancement devices that hold the jaw forward, or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines that keep open the airways by providing positive pressure that forces the tissues at the back of the throat apart.

To treat snoring, it is typically first recommended to make lifestyle changes, such as:

– Losing weight
– Avoiding alcohol close to bedtime
– Treating nasal congestion
– Avoiding sleep deprivation
– Avoiding sleeping on your back

There are several effective treatments for snoring; which one will be most effective is different for each individual and depends on the cause of the snoring, its severity, and if any sleep disorders or other health problems are present. The most effective treatments may include:

– Oral Appliance Therapy — Oral appliances are one of the most reliable ways to prevent snoring. They can help achieve a soundless sleep by either moving the jaw forward or holding the tongue down so that airflow is unobstructed. These devices are a favorite among patients and practitioners alike as they are lightweight, quiet, and comfortable to wear.

– CPAP Therapy — CPAP, which stands for continuous positive airway pressure, is a well-known therapy used to prevent snoring; it is most commonly used in the treatment of sleep apnea—a sleep disorder that causes snoring. While oral appliances are prescribed as a first line of treatment for mild to moderate snoring, and can also be effective in severe cases as well, CPAP may be used to treat more severe cases of snoring and sleep apnea. These machines can be noisy as they are constantly producing pressure, so there is the potential of disturbing others. However, the noise created by a CPAP machine is significantly quieter than the snoring it is designed to prevent.

If you or someone you love snores, come to Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders for safe and effective treatments. Call us today to book an appointment with one of our sleep team members. We look forward to serving you!