1. What are the causes that could have put me at risk of snoring? It could have been any or a combination of any of the following reasons:
• Heredity especially with respect to throat structure such as enlarged adenoids or a narrow throat,
• Misaligned jaw,
• Use of alcohol, cigarettes and relaxant drugs that cause the tongue to move back into the mouth while sleeping,
• Suffering from Asthma, allergies or sinus infections,
• Being overweight,
• Fat build-up inside and around the throat, and
• The closure of the throat passage during sleep due to the weakness of the throat muscles to stay open.
2. Will I have to undergo any operation? That depends on what causes your snoring. If it is a case of misaligned jaw, palette positioning or a constricted air passage, you may have to undergo a minor surgery.
3. Will I have to make any changes in my day to day living during or after my treatment?
It will be a combination of changes like losing weight, exercising, eating right, keeping alcohol to the minimum, clearing your nasal pasage etc. You may need to raise the incline of the head of your bed to a 30 degrees angle to facilitate easy breathing. The doctor will advise you further on this.
4. Are there any e-support groups where I can talk about this and find out what other snorers are going through and how they are handling their situation?
• Mayo Clinic -Snoring
• Snoozing or Snoring
• Snoring Questionnaire
Your doctor will have information of snoring support groups in your locality as well.
5. What are the associated risks I will run because of snoring?
Risks of snoring include more serious conditions such as sleep apnea, hypertension, atherosclerosis and stroke. Snoring may itself be benign but the disturbed sleep that accompanies it causes sleep deprivation, lack of focus, irritability etc during the waking hours apart from impairment of lifestyle, loss of libido and psychological and social damage.
6. Are alternative therapies available for snoring, what are they? Are they effective?
Although the route of alternative therapies such as singing, hypnotherapy, playing the didgeridoo and the use of Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) drugs as nasal drops is also often suggested by some practitioners, their efficacy and success needs to be studied and verified.
ALL INFORMATION GIVEN IN THIS ADVOCACY SHEET IS TO BE CHECKED WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE IMPLEMENTING THEM OR TAKING THEM AS STANDARD OR VERIFIED.
Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman (Publisher: Rupa & Co.) and the upcoming Rev Up Your Life! (Publisher: Hay House India). She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Link: http://www.migrainingjenny.wordpress.com and http://www.footstrike.wordpress.com