Snoring Treatment

What is snoring?

Snoring

Snoring is a very common condition that describes the loud noise that some people make as they sleep. This happens when the air that’s breathed in causes the tissues at the back of the throat to vibrate. About half of all people snore at some point in their lives, with men being affected more than women and the condition becoming more common as you get older.

Although snoring is nothing to worry about (and something that the actual sufferer often doesn’t notice), it can be an annoyance for your partner, family or housemates; anyone that sleeps in close proximity to you could experience sleep disturbance because of your snoring.

What causes snoring?

The actual noise associated with snoring is caused by your mouth, tongue, throat, or airways in your nose vibrating as you breathe. The reason behind this can vary and you’re more likely to snore if you sleep on your back. Those who are overweight or pregnant are more likely to snore because they have extra tissues in the throat, which makes the vibrations cause more noise.

Alcohol, smoking and certain medicines can increase your chances of snoring because these substances relax the muscles in your tongue and throat. This is the same reason that snoring gets more prevalent as you get older; because your muscles get slacker.

Some people may only experience snoring occasionally, rather than every night, and this can often be due to congestion. If you have a cold or are suffering with allergies then the fact that you’re unable to breathe through your nose can cause you to snore. It’s this same reason that makes snoring common in people with deformities to the nose (such as a deviated septum), however the snoring will likely be long-term in this case.

If your snoring is heavy and constant then you may have sleep apnea, a sleep disorder or risk factors for other health problems so you should visit a specialist if you’re concerned.

How can I treat snoring?

Treatment of Snore

At UK Meds, we offer a number of different treatments that will help you get a quiet night’s sleep and help to prevent snoring. Because they are over-the-counter, you can order them quickly and easily without the need for an online assessment or prescription.

There are a number of different styles of snoring solutions, which are tailored based on the cause of your snoring. If it’s because your tongue is partially blocking the back of your throat, then there are devices available to bring your tongue forward. If it’s due to your mouth falling open as you sleep, then you could try wearing a chin strap to help keep your mouth closed. For blocked or narrow nasal passages, consider strips or devices that open the nose and help you to breathe more easily (and quietly) as you sleep.

There are a number of lifestyle aspects that could help to control your snoring, such as losing weight (if you are overweight) or avoiding sleeping on your back (try using a special pillow that will keep you on your side). Minimising your use of alcohol, sleeping pills and cigarettes should also help you to achieve a sounder night’s sleep.