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The Causes of Snoring
Is snoring
normal? Do men really snore more than women?
What is snoring caused by?
Why does snoring occur during sleep?
Why do some people snore more loudly than others?
But what about people who really "rattle" the house?
How does obesity affect snoring?
Abnormal
Snoring
When
does abnormal snoring become "problem" snoring?
Is it up to everyone else to tolerate the loud snoring?
My spouse literally stops breathing. Is this normal?
What is Sleep Apnea?
Is it dangerous?
Treatment
for Snoring
Is
there a cure for snoring? Is there some kind of surgery that works for Sleep Apnea Patients?
What about sleep psychiatric treatment for snoring?
Are there any devices that will prevent snoring?
Do any of these devices work?
How does an Anti-Snoring Device work?
Does an Anti-Snoring Device require surgery?
How can something so simple work?
Do I have to wear it every night?
Will it work for everyone?
What is required to begin treatment?
THE CAUSES OF
SNORING
Is snoring normal?
Most people snore
to some degree. Generally speaking, it is quite normal.
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Do men really snore more than
women?
Snoring is somewhat more prominent in men.
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What is snoring caused by?
Snoring is most often caused by loose or weak muscle tissue at the back of the mouth which
collapses into the pharyngeal airway (near the pharynx) during sleep. This tissue flutters
or vibrates as air is forced through the constricted airway. This causes the aggravating
noise we call snoring.
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Why does snoring occur during sleep?
During sleep the muscle tissue that causes snoring is allowed to progressively relax.
While lying down, this tissue tends to collapse more readily inside the pharyngeal airway.
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Why do some people snore more loudly than others?
Anatomy is the main reason. Some people are simply born with the physical characteristics
that lend themselves to loud snoring. These have mostly to do with jaw, mouth, and airway
structure. Obesity is also a common culprit.
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But what about people who really "rattle" the house?
In extreme cases, where severe obstruction of the pharyngeal airway is experienced on an
ongoing basis, a more serious condition may exist called Sleep Apnea, which may involve
other disorders.
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How does obesity affect snoring?
It tends to create excess,
redundant tissue around the airway in some individuals. Also, the additional body mass
around the jaw and throat area increases the susceptibility of collapsing tissue into the
airway, especially while lying down.
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ABNORMAL SNORING
When does abnormal snoring become "problem" snoring?
Whenever the sound of snoring
creates problems whether for the snorer, a bedmate, roommate, or others in the
household, it may be considered "problem" snoring.
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Is it up to everyone else to tolerate the loud snoring?
Often times, someone who snores loudly does not realize or believe that they do it. It is
quite common for snorers to deny that a problem does exist, even if an irate spouse,
roommate etc. complains. It should be understood that snoring occurs uncontrollably, and
that snorers are not at fault. It should also be understood by snorers that they may
indeed be creating problems for others. Snoring can become a very sensitive source of
tension where nobody is at fault.
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My spouse literally stops breathing. Is this normal?
No. This is not normal and is a symptom of a far more serious respiratory disorder known
as Sleep Apnea.
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What is Sleep Apnea?
Simply put, Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (as properly stated), is a condition where
snoring becomes so severe and erratic that it upsets the normal neurorespiratory process
and stops breathing. The body's natural defense against this suffocation is waking (or
partially waking) up. Renewed air intake is signaled by a sudden loud snore. This may
occur anywhere between a few and several times per hours.
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Is it dangerous?
It can be. Sleep Apnea has been linked to heart failure resulting in sudden nocturnal
death. It is usually associated with other disorders such as insomnia, abnormal motor
activity during sleep, systemic and pulmonary hypertension, sexual impotence, morning
headaches, polycythemia, and chronic daytime fatigue. In mild cases, victims may actually
get adequate sleep, but experience constant tiredness due to night-time periods of
decreased blood oxygenation.
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TREATMENT FOR SNORING
Is there a cure for snoring?
There is no drug or medical procedure that can guarantee to fully eliminate the
symptomatic tendencies of snoring.
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Is there some kind of surgery
that works for Sleep Apnea Patients?
Yes. The surgery consists of removal of the uvula and redundant tissue in the pharynx. It
is successful in approximately 50% of the people undergoing this procedure.
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What about sleep psychiatric treatment for snoring?
Many sleep clinics offer excellent treatment for various sleep disorders such as insomnia
and sleep walking. Snoring itself is generally accepted as being caused by physical rather
than psychological factors.
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Are there any devices that will prevent snoring?
There are many devices available which claim to stop snoring. These can range from
clinical devices such as nasal air masks, to gimmicks such as noise sensors that give the
wearer a "gentle" static pulse at the sound of a snore.
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Do any of these devices work?
A nasal air mask will effectively stop snoring by forcing pressurized air down the
wearer's throat. The mask and hose are cumbersome, uncomfortable, and the device requires
the wearer to have an electrical outlet at hand. It can also present a problem when
travelling. Another device is a simple dental appliance which can significantly reduce
snoring and aids in preventing Sleep Apnea when worn to bed at night. It is called an
Anti-Snoring Device or ASD.
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How does an Anti-Snoring Device
work?
An Anti-Snoring Device fits into the mouth much like an orthodontic retainer or
custom-made mouthguard. It forces the lower jaw slightly forward and mouth slightly open.
This keeps the loose or weak muscle tissue at the back of the mouth clear of the
pharyngeal airway promoting free passage of air. It is possibly the most effective
clinical device for reducing snoring and the severe symptoms of Sleep Apnea.
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Does an Anti-Snoring Device
require surgery?
No, surgery is not required. A simple dental examination to measure dental geometry and a
full set of teeth impressions are all that is needed for custom-fitting the appliance to
be constructed for the mouth.
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How can something so simple work?
It is based on the same principle as tilting the head back to free the airway when giving
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. By manipulating the mandibular anatomy and forcing your
lower jaw slightly forward, an Anti-Snoring Device is able to keep the pharyngeal airway
open.This principle is not new. It has been known for years, though it has never been
successfully applied to snoring until recently.
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Do I have to wear it every night?
You may wear the appliance as you feel it necessary. It is small,inconspicuous, and easily
transferred to the mouth. It is easy to wear and travel with etc.
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Will it work for everyone?
In normal patients, the Anti-Snoring Device is very comfortable, although there may be a
period of mild discomfort. Some people experience mild tempero-mandibular joint pain.
Also, people with very poor natural teeth may not be able to be fitted with the device. A
brief examination will determine your compatibility.
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What is required to begin treatment?
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By reading the information contained in this package, you have already taken a very
important step: self-education. To further explore the possibility of an Anti-Snoring
Device for yourself or a loved one, please call the professionals at the
Dalios
Clinic for a consultation.
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