Snoring tops the list of sleep problems. It is not life threatening and does not weaken the person. However, it may be the root cause of other serious health problems. Snoring is often experienced by men who are in their forties or fifties. People who are over weight may also snore because they have fleshy necks with more muscles and tissues that may narrow the respiratory passage when they are relax.

The cause of snoring

Snoring is caused from a narrowed air passage between the nose and the throat. Especially when sleeping on the back, this passage narrows because of the relaxation of the tissues and the effects of gravity. When the passage is narrowed, the pressure of air is highly increased, which drives the relaxed, flapping muscles to vibrate more, which in turn, increases the snoring sounds.

Anything which helps to narrow air passages and helps muscles relax is going to begin the vibrations. For example, materials which cause muscles to relax will help the tongue fall back or help throat muscles get relief from tension. A stuffed-up nose can also be the culprit, as it restricts the space through which air may pass. Thus, sometimes snoring happens only if a person has inflamed sinuses or a cold.

For those who have the tendency to snore it is advised to sleep with a sideward position because this may likely decrease the possibility of snoring. The snoring occurs when the there is unwanted relaxation of the muscles and tissues covering the respiratory tract, more specifically the throat and nasal passages. Thus, those with snoring problems snore more when they lie on their backs, because the tongue will be pulled back by gravity.

If you suffer from chronic snoring, you may wonder what options you have for the treatment of this condition. Although you may want to initially be examined by your family doctor, he may eventually refer you to a specialist. You will most likely see an otolaryngologist. The benefit of this visit would be that these physicians have expertise in diagnosis of ear, nose and throat disorders, and they will be able to provide the most comprehensive exam. Should surgery be necessary, he will discuss your options, including a procedure called UPPP. It is the most common surgical procedure for the treatment of snoring conditions.

There are two different methods to treat snoring. In the case of nasal blockage in the septum, surgery may be necessary. However if sleep apnea or disruptive snoring is the issue, laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty is a less invasive solution.

There is a process that involves inserting a small screw in the lower jaw and stitching the tongue to it below. This is called the Tongue Suspension Procedure, and keeps the tongue from falling back and covering the air passage. Somnoplasty is another procedure, one that uses an electrode needle that releases energy to shrink excess tissue in the throat. This excess tissue is then reabsorbed by the body.

Though surgery may not be an easy option to fix your flaccid gullet muscles, it gives the final answer to the problem. However, bear in mind that there are particular techniques for particular causes. Be vigilant to first consult your doctor about the whole distress so that he can give you the appropriate snoring treatments.