Men ’s hea lth What is snoring? We know snoring as the noisy breathing that occurs during sleep, created by the vibrating of soft tissue around the airway. When we sleep, the muscles around our throat and mouth relax, narrowing the airway. When these areas – such as the soft palette (roof of the mouth), the uvula (dangling piece of tissue above the throat) or the base of the tongue – relax too much, they begin to block the person’s airway. As the person continues to breathe normally, it applies extra pressure on the throat and causes vibration of the back of the throat (pharynx). The amount of airway that is blocked determines the severity of the snoring – the smaller the passage for air, the louder the snoring. Who suffers from snoring? Anyone can be a snorer, but there are a number of health and lifestyle factors that will increase your risk. Men are most likely to snore (40%), and the group at highest risk is middle aged. While some people only suffer from snoring, the condition is usually linked to other sleep-related breathing disorders like apnoea and hypopnea. Sleep apnoea is when breathing stops momentarily during sleep due to obstruction of the airways. Hypopnea involves periods of very shallow breathing or an abnormally low respiratory rate. Which men are at risk? • Overweight or obese people have more fat around the neck, which further narrows the neck and airways • Drinking alcohol relaxes the muscles in the throat, creating more vibration and sound • Breathing through the mouth during sleep • Sleeping on the back, which allows the tongue to block airflow • Nasal polyps (growths in the sinus or nose), large tongue or thyroid swelling • Enlarged tonsils • Allergies, colds and hay fever • Smoking • Deformity of the nose/deviated septum • Some medications that relax the throat muscles • Being born with a smaller airway than normal. What is the impact on health? Snorers are deprived of adequate restorative sleep, which leads to tiredness and fatigue throughout the day. This not only impacts the person’s mood, appetite and energy levels, but also poses risk for those driving or operating machinery, as concentration is impaired. Lack of adequate rest increases blood pressure and risk of heart attack and stroke. People who suffer from long-term snoring are at risk of arrhythmias, an irregular heartbeat, as well as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when the disordered breathing pattern manages to suck food from the stomach back into the oesophagus. Snoring and sleep apnoea are also responsible for increased crankiness and even depression. Research by the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention shows a connection between snorting, snoring and sleep apnoea and a range of depression symptoms, including feelings of hopelessness and failure. Also, the risk of depression increases with the frequency of snoring. Other health effects include headaches, nocturia (urinating twice or more during the night) and reduced sex drive. Treatment The appropriate type of treatment depends on age, weight, health, lifestyle, medical history and the severity of the snoring. It is usually administered by a sleep physician who specialises in treating patients with sleep disorders and can inform the patient of the best option. Povent Therapy Disposable, adhesive devices used to treat snoring and apnoea, which control the amount of airflow in and out of the nasal passage, increasing pressure in the airway and preventing it from collapsing and vibrating. Mandibular Advancement Splint Similar to a mouthguard, and is worn between the teeth during sleep to push the lower jaw forward, widening the airway. Fitted by an oral surgeon or dentist. There are a number of similar oral appliances. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) CPAP is an effective and commonly used treatment for simple snoring, and involves the use of a compact air pump that delivers pressurised airflow to the airway. This prevents collapsing and vibrating of the throat. Tonsil Removal This is common in both adults and children whose enlarged tonsils result in breathing difficulty. UPPP Surgery (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty) This surgery involves widening the back of the throat permanently to assist airflow. Positional Therapy and Changing Sleep Habits Sleeping on the back worsens snoring, therefore therapy seeks to train the body to sleep more on its side. One trick involves sewing something round into the back of pyjamas to prevent the person lying on their back. Losing Weight Overweight snorers may find relief from weight loss and reducing the pressure on the neck. Avoid Alcohol Before Sleep Try to keep four hours between drinking and going to bed, so that the throat muscles don’t remain too relaxed during sleep. Quit Smoking Smokers are four to five times more likely than nonsmokers to snore, while nicotine contributes to insomnia and poor sleep-habits. Quitting cigarettes will help with both these sleep issues. Where do I find more information? If snoring creeps onto the nightly agenda, it is time to seek help. For the benefit of your family, physical and mental health, and quality of life, visit your local GP and talk to them about your experience. More information can be found at www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au and www.snoreaustralia.com.au. Now, get back to your beauty sleep. pm 36 Pindara Magazine 2015
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Five
To see the actual publication please follow the link above