The loud sounds some people make while sleeping are no joke. When the interruptions caused by snoring begin to affect life during the daylight hours, they may indicate an underlying medical problem. A Chicago sleep medicine center helps sufferers by providing individually tailored solutions to this personal problem.
The mechanics of snoring differ individually, but generally occur when air cannot move freely through the nose and mouth. The blockage can be caused initially by the position of the body at rest, or by excess fatty tissue surrounding the throat. It often become more pronounced with age as the throat narrows and muscle tone gradually diminishes.
Fewer women than men battle this syndrome, and carrying excess weight in an out-of-shape body makes it more likely to happen. Certain medications and alcohol use are known to affect normal breathing patterns, and the hazards of smoking are well documented. Sinus or nasal problems also inhibit air intake, and can result in habitual mouth-breathing.
Because the problem is so widespread, new consumer products are regularly introduced that promise instant relief. While individual successes have been reported, oral prosthetic devices correct symptoms, but not underlying causes. Long-lasting solutions involve physical changes including weight loss, smoking cessation, and exercise.
Home remedies advise assuming different reclining positions, using a humidifier or nasal strips, or taking antihistamines. None are really effective against apnea, an associated condition that not only periodically interrupts air flow in a physically intense manner, but can also be a warning sign of other serious physical issues.
If nothing provides real relief, ask to be referred to a medical sleep center. While surgery is usually necessary only in cases of inflamed adenoids or similar problems, new techniques help shrink throat tissue in less invasive ways. Snoring may be humorous on a very basic level, but not to those who must deal with the consequences.
The mechanics of snoring differ individually, but generally occur when air cannot move freely through the nose and mouth. The blockage can be caused initially by the position of the body at rest, or by excess fatty tissue surrounding the throat. It often become more pronounced with age as the throat narrows and muscle tone gradually diminishes.
Fewer women than men battle this syndrome, and carrying excess weight in an out-of-shape body makes it more likely to happen. Certain medications and alcohol use are known to affect normal breathing patterns, and the hazards of smoking are well documented. Sinus or nasal problems also inhibit air intake, and can result in habitual mouth-breathing.
Because the problem is so widespread, new consumer products are regularly introduced that promise instant relief. While individual successes have been reported, oral prosthetic devices correct symptoms, but not underlying causes. Long-lasting solutions involve physical changes including weight loss, smoking cessation, and exercise.
Home remedies advise assuming different reclining positions, using a humidifier or nasal strips, or taking antihistamines. None are really effective against apnea, an associated condition that not only periodically interrupts air flow in a physically intense manner, but can also be a warning sign of other serious physical issues.
If nothing provides real relief, ask to be referred to a medical sleep center. While surgery is usually necessary only in cases of inflamed adenoids or similar problems, new techniques help shrink throat tissue in less invasive ways. Snoring may be humorous on a very basic level, but not to those who must deal with the consequences.
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