Snoring remedies to restore a good night’s sleep

In addition to healthy foods and exercise, our bodies also need an adequate amount of sleep each night to function properly. Although we all have our own "perfect" amount, most of us would function optimally after seven to nine hours of nightly sleep. Without adequate sleep, it is possible to experience lethargy, moodiness, an inability to multi-task, impaired memory and concentration, and what the American Psychological Association calls "micro-sleeps", short bursts of sleep that may occur at very inopportune times.

Sleep disturbances may result from a number of various factors, and may affect a person of any age. In some cases, such disturbances may be temporary and short-lived, producing no real cause for concern. However, there are those who may be chronic-snorers, people who may suffer from sleep apnea, and are likely to need snoring remedies to restore the proper amount of sleep.

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that is marked by chronic, loud snoring accompanied by lapses in breathing during sleep. The most common form of the condition, obstructive sleep apnea, occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep. As the body relaxes into a sleep state, the muscles in the throat may collapse inward, resulting in a blockage that inhibits breathing. When apneic episodes occur, the brain responds by waking the body just enough to prompt breathing.

Fortunately, various snoring remedies may alleviate chronic snoring and restore sleep. Some who experience nightly snoring and sleep disturbances find relief from weight loss. If there is excess fat around the throat, the pressure from this weight may be enough to cause airway obstruction. Additional help may come from ensuring the most suitable sleeping position. Using pillows, one can ensure he or she maintains a side-sleeping position by propping them behind the back. Some have resorted to sewing a tennis ball into the back of the pajama top as a way to avoid back-sleeping, which may result in airway obstruction.

When lack of sleep is affecting your life or that of a loved one, it is important to determine what is behind the problem. An evaluation may be performed right in your dentist's office, and treatment options discussed should it be determined that sleep apnea is a problem. Contact our office for more information or to schedule your consultation.

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