Causes of and Remedies for Snoring

Studies show that 45 percent of Americans snore occasionally, and 25 percent snore regularly. Several factors cause snoring, including nasal obstructions.

Nasal obstructions force air through the mouth when sleeping, increasing pressure behind the soft palate, the muscles at the back of the roof of the mouth, and the uvula, which hangs from the soft palate, causing snoring. The tongue may also present a potential obstruction associated with snoring.

Deeper within the throat, the hypopharynx and hyoid bone, located just above the Adam’s apple (in men), may move during breathing and cause blockage of the airway. Complex anatomy between the larynx and the lungs’ narrow passageways may cause sleep apnea, which involves an intermittent cessation of breathing during sleep. While sleep apnea does not cause all snoring, it increases in likelihood when accompanied by symptoms such as chronic tiredness, restlessness during sleep, and heavy snoring.

Sleep apnea is potentially life-threatening and, in severe cases, may require a tracheotomy, which involves inserting a tube into a hole created within the windpipe. The tube is closed when awake, while air flows directly into it during sleep and bypasses obstructions in the upper airway. Alternatively, maxillomandibular advancement surgery is an option that positions the lower and upper jaw forward and thus creates an airway in the back of the throat and nose.

For less serious cases of airway obstruction and associated snoring, medical professionals may recommend the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or auto-adjusting positive airway pressure (APAP) devices. The devices deliver air via a mask and tube when sleeping at a pressure that comfortably encourages unobstructed breathing.

APAP Machines – Auto-Adjusting Sleep Apnea Therapy

Obstructive sleep apnea involves blockages in the airway that result in frequent occurrences of slowed or stopped breathing. The condition worsens with obesity and age and results in fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day. Two advanced therapies for treatment are continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and automatic (or auto-adjusting) positive airway pressure (APAP).

CPAP delivers air at a continuous pressure via a tube and mask that enable comfortable and unobstructed breathing. APAP provides a viable alternative for patients with complex sleep apnea issues, such as positional apnea or REM-related apnea, or who cannot acclimate to standard CPAP therapy.

The APAP machine continuously measures the resistance in breathing. When upper airway breathing is stable, APAP automatically decreases pressure. When an event such as snoring, apnea, or flow limitation occurs, APAP increases pressure. These actions reduce breathing disruption events but do not affect normal breathing. APAP machines may also use pressure ramps that start at a low air pressure that gradually increase over five to 45 minutes to encourage the natural process of falling asleep.

A Brief Introduction to Home Sleep Testing for Sleep Apnea

There are several ways for individuals to test for sleep apnea, including the preferred method: a home sleep test. In recent years, most American insurance companies have made home sleep testing mandatory. Most individuals can perform the test at home. Some patients may need to stay overnight at a hospital.

Before beginning a home sleep test, individuals receive a simplified breathing monitor from a physician. The monitor tracks a person’s oxygen levels and breathing effort at night. A home sleep test does not provide as much information as an overnight sleep study but usually offers enough insight for doctors to diagnose sleep apnea. Medical professionals review the data the monitor collects and assess observable symptoms such as snoring or holding breath while asleep.

More advanced symptoms of sleep apnea include insomnia, obesity, and depression. If left untreated, the condition can increase a person’s chances of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. Any person who feels they may be living with sleep apnea symptoms can discuss it with their family doctor and may qualify for the home test.

Sleep Medicine and Cardiovascular Health

Based in Anchorage, Alaska, Dr. John Krehlik earned his MD from the University of Chicago. A physician specializing in internal and sleep medicine, Dr. John Krehlik is the first general internist in Alaska to be board certified in sleep medicine.

Sleep is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being. When people sleep, their bodies undergo critical restorative processes that help them to recover and recharge. It is well-known that poor sleep habits can have a negative impact on cardiovascular health, which is why sleep medicine has become increasingly important in recent years.

Poor sleep can contribute to cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Furthermore, sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, has been shown to increase the risk of developing heart disease and stroke.

To address these concerns, sleep medicine has become a rapidly growing field of research and practice. Sleep specialists work with patients to develop personalized treatment plans to manage sleep disorders and promote better sleep habits. A common treatment for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which involves wearing a mask that delivers a steady stream of air to help keep the airway open during sleep.

In addition to improving overall cardiovascular health, addressing sleep disorders can positively impact other areas of health and well-being. Studies have shown that better sleep can improve cognitive function and mood and lower the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.

Sleep medicine plays an important role in maintaining good cardiovascular health. By addressing sleep disorders and promoting healthy sleep habits, individuals can reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease and improve their overall health and well-being.