In parts one and two of our useful tips to help stop snoring, we talked about changes that you can make yourself to ease the problem. However, for some people, even drastic self-help may not offer any solution to their snoring. As is the case with any sleep problem or sleep disorder, you should always visit your doctor when it becomes a strain on your everyday life. If this is the case with snoring, and you have tried all other avenues, your doctor may suggest medical treatment. Here are a few different treatments that may help your snoring:
Continuous Positive Airways Pressure (CPAP) – A CPAP machine is a type of breathing apparatus that you wear while you sleep. It is often used for people with sleep apnoea (a sleep disorder that causes lapses in breathing during sleep), but can also offer a benefit to snorers. This is because it will help keep the airways more fully open, reducing the intensity of the snoring.
Surgery – For many snorers, the idea of surgery to correct the problem can seem quite drastic, but those with persistent and severe snoring could really benefit from some simple procedures. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is an example of a common surgical procedure, which increases the airways by removing some of the excess soft tissue in the throat.
Dental and Facial Appliances – These are simply the collective names for a number of devices that attach to the face or part of the mouth. They are often similar to temporary braces or sports mouth guards. They usually work by helping to keep the mouth and tongue in a position that does not put unnecessary pressure on your airways.
As you can see, medical treatment can offer a lot of benefits to people who snore, and for some people, it is their only option for getting a consistent and healthy night’s sleep. Many people may feel wary of visiting the doctor for something as common as snoring, but you must ask yourself honestly if it is affecting you or your partner’s life. If the answer is yes, you owe it to yourself to arrange an appointment.
