SNORING IN WOMEN......! !

            Once I was travelling in three tier A.C. Coach. One of the Woman passenger started snoring to the extent that almost , I could not sleep at all . It is very easy to blame that fellow passenger , but then I started knowing the causes of Snoring , and asking the person that, you know that in the night you were snoring?? But reply comes in negative shape.

         Generally speaking , the structures involved are the uvula and soft palate. The irregular airflow is caused by a passage blockage and usually due to one of the following causes –

•  Obstruction in the nasal passage way

• Mispositioned jaw
• Throat weakness
•  Fat gathering in and around throat
• The tissues at the top of airways touching each other causing vibrations
• Use of alcohol or any drug relaxing throat muscles
•  Sleeping in one position of Back
•  Enlarged Tonsils etc.

                  Snoring is known to cause sleep deprivation to snorers and those around them, as well as daytime drowsiness, irritability, lack of focus and decreased libido. It has also been suggested that it can cause significant psychological and social damage to sufferers. Multiple studies reveal a positive correlation between loud snoring and risk of heart attack and stroke .

                  Though snoring is often considered a minor affliction, snorers can sometimes suffer severe impairment of lifestyle. New studies associate loud "snoring" with the development of carotid artery atherosclerosis, the risk of brain damage and of stroke. Researchers hypothesize that loud snoring creates turbulence in carotid artery blood flow closest to the airway. Generally speaking, increased turbulence irritates blood cells and has previously been implicated as a cause of atherosclerosis.

         Snoring...Usually, snoring is recognized by a friend or partner who observes the patient sleeping. Besides the "noise" of snoring, more complex conditions such as sleep apnea can be consistent with the symptom of snoring. A sleep study can identify such issues. Patients can also assess their own condition to determine the likelihood of such problems based on the severity of their sleeping difficulties.

Almost all treatments for snoring revolve around clearing the blockage in the breathing passage. This is the reason snorers are advised to lose weight (to stop fat from pressing on the throat), stop smoking (smoking weakens and clogs the throat) and sleep on their side (to prevent the tongue from blocking the throat). A number of other treatment options are also available, ranging from over-the-counter aids such as nasal sprays, nasal strips or nose clips, lubricating sprays, and "anti-snore" clothing and pillows, to such unusual activities as playing the didgeridoo. However, snoring is a recognized medical problem and people who snore should always seek professional medical advice before relying on techniques that may mask symptoms (i.e. snoring) but not treat the underlying condition.

           Specially made dental appliances called mandibular advancement splints, which advance the lower jaw slightly and thereby pull the tongue forward, are a common mode of treatment for snoring. Typically, a dentist specializing in sleep apnea dentistry is to be consulted. Such appliances have been proven to be effective in reducing snoring and sleep apnea in cases where the apnea is mild to moderate. Mandibular advancement splints are often tolerated much better than CPAP machines. Possible but rare side effects include gradual movement of the teeth, temporo mandibular joint disorders , excess salivation and gum irritation.

The professionally fitted devices generally incorporate an adjustment mechanism so that jaw advancement can be easily increased or decreased after fitting. To adjust the "do it yourself" appliances it is necessary to reheat them and mold them again in the desired new position. Alternatively, given the low cost, a new splint can be used.

         A continuous positive airway pressure machine is often used to control sleep apnea and the snoring associated with it. To keep the airway open, a shoebox-sized device pumps a controlled stream of air through a flexible hose to a mask worn over the nose, mouth, or both.


          The Surgery is also available as a method of correcting social snoring. Some procedures, such as uvulo palato pharyngo plasty , attempt to widen the airway by removing tissues in the back of the throat, including the uvula and pharynx.


                    Radio frequency ablation is a relatively new surgical treatment for snoring.

                    The Pillar Procedure is a minimally invasive treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. This procedure addresses one of the most common causes of snoring and sleep apnea - vibration or collapse of the soft palate (the soft part of the roof of the mouth). If there are other factors contributing to snoring or sleep apnea, such as the nasal airway or an enlarged tongue, it will likely need to be combined with other treatments to be more effective.
             A combination of pseudoephedrine and domperidone shows excellent results in the treatment of severe snoring. The preparation is sold over the counter in some countries.


        There are various natural methods alleged to alleviate snoring. These can be in the form of herbal pills, acupressure devices or specialized acupuncture.


         Change of bed position – There are occasions wherein snoring is the result of wrong sleeping position. Sometimes, sleeping with too many pillows can stretch and narrow the air passage. Use one pillow to avoid it. Also, lying on the back can cause snoring. So, a change in sleeping position can be a good help.


      All natural anti snoring sprays are also available. These can come in over-the-counter products available at pharmacies.


       Also amongst the 'natural' remedies are exercises to increase the muscle tone of the upper airway.


      Try to make a snoring noise. If it is reduced, you are probably a "tongue-base snorer", meaning your tongue is vibrating and causing the problem. If you are a "nose snorer" you snore with a closed mouth, it says.


To summarize , the precautionary measures are :

•  Sleep on your side

          The theory is that when we lie on our backs the tongue and muscles in the throat collapse, constricting the airway and causing snoring.

•  Higher pillows

          This aims to keep the airways open by supporting the neck so the throat is less constricted. It works fairly well until you fall asleep and slump down in the bed.

•  Breathe Right Nasal Strips

     open your nostrils from the outside and they certainly do seem to do this. They can also provide temporary relief from nasal congestion and stuffiness caused by colds and allergies. These are supposed to give relief.

•  Snoreeze Oral Strips

These dissolving mint-flavoured strips target the main cause of snoring and are ideal if you tend to snore more when lying on your back. They contain a time-release formula, which coats the back of the throat throughout the night and reduces the vibrations of the soft tissues, helping to stop snoring.

•  Snoreeze Throat Spray

      This lubricates and tones the soft tissues at the back of the throat that vibrate and make you snore.

•  Nozovent

            This is a piece of flexible plastic which you push into your nostrils to make them wider and allow easier breathing. It looks like something from the Spanish Inquisition but users report good results.

•  Somno Guard

This is a bit like the gum shield worn by a rugby player, but it is reported to produce good results. The idea is to bring your lower jaw and tongue forward, making more space for breathing. The drawback is that it takes sometime to get used to and is costly.

•  Rhynil Herbal Spray

It’s herbal nasal spray shrinks the lining of the nostril, creating more space to breathe. It also tightens the tissue of the roof of the mouth, making it less likely to vibrate. It smells pleasant and a friend who tried it said it reduced snoring significantly.

•  Abstinence
  You should cut down on cigarettes or, better still, give up completely. Also, try to have your last alcoholic drink at least four hours before you go to bed. , and get rid of snoring.

Now have a sound sleep without disturbances !!