Treatment
In cases of snoring without sleep apnea, lifestyle changes may alleviate symptoms. More severe cases may require surgery or devices.
Lifestyle Changes
Changes that may help stop snoring include:
- If you are overweight, lose weight.
- Exercise to improve muscle tone
- Avoid drinking alcohol or taking sedatives.
- Sleep on your side rather than on your back. Try taping a marble or tennis ball to your back before going to bed to prevent rolling onto your back.
- Treat causes of nasal congestion (eg, allergies or colds).
- Raise the head of the bed up about four inches. Use extra pillows or put something under the mattress.
Surgery
During surgery, a laser or scalpel can be used to remove excess tissue that is blocking the airway. This type of surgery is called uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). Treatment by laser surgery requires a series of surgeries and is usually reserved for severe and disruptive cases of snoring. In case of life threatening obstructive sleep apnea that has failed other treatments, a tracheostomy may need to be done. In this type of surgery, an opening is made in your neck and a small tube is inserted. More studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the surgical approaches.
Devices
Devices that can open airways during sleep include:
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) involves wearing a mask-like nasal device during sleep that maintains continuous air pressure in the nose and upper throat to keep it open. It is more commonly used for people with obstructive sleep apnea.
- Dental devices are put into the mouth during sleep to position the soft palate for better breathing.
- Nasal strips help widen nasal passages.
Medications
Modafinil (Provigil) may be used in patients who have some residual sleepiness during the day and are treated with CPAP at night.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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