Snoring is a common condition that effects around a third of the population and can cause serious problems for sufferers and their partners. It can have a huge impact on sleep quality, which can lead to problems such as fatigue, lack of energy, accidents, increased stress levels and reduced productivity.
Snoring occurs because the airways of the head and neck relax while you sleep and as this alters the air pressure, it can lead to vibrations of the soft palate and other oral tissues. Factors that increase the likelihood of snoring include obesity, being older, drinking alcohol, smoking, allergies, and having a cold.
If lifestyle changes don’t help, we can provide custom-made anti-snoring devices to alter the position of the jaw and prevent narrowing of the airways.
When the walls of the throat collapse and cause a blockage of the airway for ten seconds or more, it is known as sleep apnoea. Anti-snoring devices may help mild forms of this condition by maintaining an open airway.
Benefits
- Improve sleep quality
- Comfortable and effective
- Prevent health complications
- Cost-effective
Treatment steps
- After a clinical examination, we take impressions of the upper and lower jaw.
- These models are sent to a dental laboratory where the appliance will be produced.
- When ready, we adjust the appliance so it fits properly.
- You wear your tailor-made device and sleep more peacefully.
Aftercare
Ensure your device stays bacteria-free by brushing it regularly and soaking it in a denture cleaning solution.
Keep the device in a suitable container when not in use.
Anti-snoring devices will need to be adjusted at regular intervals to ensure they remain effective.
What Causes Snoring?
Snoring is caused by a partial closure of your airway during sleep due to a relaxation of the muscles in your neck. The soft tissue then vibrates to cause the sound of snoring.
What increases the chances of me being a snorer?
Physiology – Some people are more likely to snore due to their physiology.
Sex – Men tend to put on upper body weight and therefore have more soft tissue around the neck. This makes men more prone to snoring.
Weight – If you are overweight then you will have more soft tissue around your neck which will increase the chance of snoring.
Age – As we age, or muscles become weaker – this can lead to weaker throat muscles.
Lifestyle – Some people snore after drinking alcohol or taking sleeping tablets. This causes additional relaxation of muscles in the neck and throat.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)?
Some snorers ‘stop snoring’ and also ‘stop breathing’ only to ‘start snoring and breathing’ again a few seconds later, often accompanied by a choke, or gasp or snort – this is an indication that the snorer has OSA. Every time we stop breathing, known as “Apnoea”, our bodies are starved of oxygen. Our brain instructs our body to partially awaken by releasing adrenalin. Most OSA victims have no memory of this all night, life and death struggle for oxygen. OSA robs its sufferers of restful sleep, leaving them tired, sleepy and exhausted during the day as well as contributing to many other health problems.
How can you determine the severity of OSA?
A Sleep Study is the only way to determine the severity of OSA.
How is my heath and lifestyle affected?
Snoring has an immense impact on the health and quality of life for the snorer, their partners and family. The lack of sleep caused by snoring has wide reaching effects such as:
- Daytime sleepiness
- Poor motivation
- High stress levels
- Lack of energy
- Driving while tired
- Less effective at work
In addition, snoring and especially OSA contribute to other serious health and lifestyle issues:
- Increased blood pressure/ hypertension
- Increased risk of diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Poor relationship with partner.
How will Solutions 4 Snoring do a Sleep Study?
The process is very simple. A Sleep Study recorder is dispatched to your home for you to use overnight. The recorder will then be collected and assessed by a trained Physician, and a diagnosis will be made within 15 days from collecting the equipment.
What does the Sleep Study measure?
A sleep study will determine if you have OSA by measuring:
• Oxygen levels in your body
• Pulse rate
• Breathing effort
• Air flow
• Body position
• Movement during the night.
Where do I go from here?
If you suspect that you are suffering from any of the mentioned symptoms then you are advised to seek help and advice as soon as possible – from either your dentist or a doctor.
Where can I find more information?
Contact Solutions 4 Snoring LTD on 0870 720 2180 or visit www.solutions4snoring.com