Snoring is an acoustic phenomenon involving the production of characteristic low-pitched sounds during sleep. These sounds are produced by the vibration of flaccid tissues of the upper respiratory tract, such as the soft palate, uvula and pharyngeal walls. The problem affects both men and women, although statistically it is more common in men and increases with age. The problem of snoring does not only cause breathing disorders during sleep. If left untreated, snoring can bring serious health consequences to the person who snores, such as the development of vascular and cardiac diseases.

Snoring is a nuisance, a sleep that does not give rest, but also a danger for the person who snores.

What causes snoring?

The problem of snoring can be caused by many factors, both structural and functional. The most common causes of snoring include:

• Anatomy of the upper respiratory tract – Excessive tissue in the soft palate, enlarged palatine tonsils or hypertrophy of the tongue can impede the free flow of air.
  
• Overweight and obesity – Excess fat around the neck causes narrowing of the airways.
  
• Nasal abnormalities - A crooked nasal septum, nasal polyps or chronic rhinitis can cause nasal obstruction and interfere with breathing.
• Throat muscle relaxation - increased muscle relaxation, especially during sleep, can lead to muscle collapse and induce twitching.
  
• External factors - Alcohol consumption, smoking, taking certain sleep medications or sleeping on the back also increase the risk of snoring.

Diagnosis of the causes of snoring may require a visit to an ENT doctor and a number of tests.

Ways to cure snoring

Treatment of snoring depends on its cause and severity. The most common methods of coping include:

• Lifestyle changes - reducing weight, avoiding alcohol before bed and changing sleep position (e.g. sleeping on your side).
• Surgical treatment of snoring - in cases of severe structural abnormalities, surgical procedures such as septoplasty or removal of the tonsils may be considered.
  
• Breathing aids - e.g. specialised CPAP masks, mainly used for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.
  
• Myofunctional therapy and specialist orthodontic trainers.

Treatments for snoring

Modern medicine offers various non-invasive treatments to help reduce snoring and eliminate sleep apnoea episodes. One of these is NightLase, an innovative method using laser treatment of snoring. Treatment this one involves using a laser beam to make the tissues of the throat more flexible and increase the tension of the structures responsible for airflow. The procedure is painless, does not require anaesthesia and does not involve a recovery period.

Can snoring be dangerous?

Although snoring itself is not a disease, it can be a symptom of more serious health problems, such as obstructive sleep apnoea. This condition is characterised by periodic pauses in breathing during sleep, which can lead to hypoxia, sleep disorders and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. It is therefore advisable to consult a specialist if you suffer from chronic and intractable snoring.