Snoring can be a contentious issue between couples sleeping together. While one person may not be aware of it, the other bed partner certainly is. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, almost half of adults snore at least occasionally. Snoring occurs when you are sleeping so deeply that the relaxed tissues in your throat vibrate as you breathe, creating a harsh, snoring sound.
While many couples resort to sleeping in separate bedrooms, there are many effective treatments for snoring. Your doctor will most likely recommend lifestyle changes, including losing weight, changing sleeping positions to sleep on your side or elevate the head of your bed, as well as limit or avoid alcohol near bedtime. If these snoring treatments do not resolve your issues, the cure may be a bit more complex.
Oral appliances, similar to mouthguards, can help open your airway by bringing your lower jaw or tongue forward when sleeping. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is an approach where a pump situated at your bedside blows air into a mask fitted over your nose or face, keeping your airway open. As a final treatment option, doctors can do surgery to open the airways and inhibit snoring. With traditional surgery, Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), a surgeon tightens and trims the excess tissue located in your throat, hoping to eliminate snoring. Alternatively, in Laser-Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP), a surgeon uses a hand-held laser beam to shorten the soft palate and remove the uvula, as well as remove excess tissue to reduce vibration.
It is important to speak with your doctor regarding snoring problems, especially if lifestyle changes dont solve the issue, as this can indicate deeper health issues such as sleep apnea. While most adults snore at least occasionally, it doesnt have to be a lifelong problem.
