Stop Snoring

What is snoring?

Snoring is the noise caused by a partial closure of the airway, due to the relaxation of the soft tissue in the upper throat.
Certain factors increase the chances of snoring; physiology, gender, age, weight and lifestyle. Factors that lead to increased soft tissue around the neck contribute, as do factors that cause additional relaxation of muscles, such as drinking alcohol or the use of sleeping tablets.

What is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)?

In extreme cases, partial closure of the airways can result in a drop in oxygen reaching the lungs. Equally, individuals can stop breathing all together, with the sleeper starting to breathe again with a gasp, choke or snort. This is indicative of OSA, where our body is starved of oxygen for a short period of time. The body typically responds by a partial awakening due to an adrenaline surge, leaving sufferers often exhausted during the day.

The effects of snoring & OSA

Snoring and sleep apnoea can have an immense impact on the sufferer, their partner and their family:

• daytime sleepiness
• motivational issues
• high stress levels
• lack of energy
• driving whilst tired
• poor effectiveness

OSA is also shown to contribute to more serious health issues:

•  increased risk of mental health concerns
•  increased blood pressure/hypertension
•  increased risk of diabetes
•  heightened chance of cardiovascular disease

Mandibular advancement splints (MAS)

Working to prevent closure of the airway by holding the lower jaw in a stable position, your dentist will likely recommend a MAS for snoring, and mild to moderate OSA.