Many people are embarrassed to admit that they snore. But, much like realising that you aren’t a great singer, once you break through that denial, you can start to get the help you need, which will be better for everyone. There are many things which can be done to reduce your snoring, and not all of them are expensive or invasive. Read on to see our assessment of some common home remedies, as well as the other options which are available for you, including NightLase.

Weight loss

With two out of every three adults in Australia classified as overweight or obese, it comes as no surprise that weight loss is one of the most recommended treatments for snoring. This is because carrying excess weight increases the amount of fatty tissue in the back of the throat, which increases the vibrations of the airways while you sleep. Therefore, losing weight can significantly reduce snoring, perhaps to the point that no further intervention will be needed.

Cutting down on alcohol and quitting smoking

These are also common recommendations in the fight against snoring. Tobacco smoke causes retention of fluid in the walls of the airway, which causes an expansion of the throat, thus increasing the vibrations of snoring. Alcohol causes the muscles in the throat to over-relax, increasing the chances of obstructions and vibrations. Cutting out alcohol and cigarettes will free-up your airways, and likely reduce your snoring.

Nasal strips

External nasal strips have not been scientifically proven to reduce the severity of snoring. Though, there are reports that patients who suffer from nostril collapse during sleep do benefit from nasal strips. Therefore, it is recommended you seek the opinions of your GP or an Ear Nose and Throat specialist before using nasal strips.

CPAP Machine

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machines are used to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). CPAP machines deliver continuous, pressurised air via a mask into a patient’s airway. This air prevents the airway from collapsing. Because each individual’s airway pressure needs are different, a sleep study will need to be done before a patient is granted a CPAP Machine. It’s also clunky, and not entirely comfortable to keep on your head all night.

NightLase

At Snoring Laser Care, we offer a unique treatment solution for your snoring problem: NightLase.

NightLase treatment uses a laser to heat and tighten the airway tissues which will allow the airways to stay open during sleep, reducing the severity and effects of snoring. The treatment involves three, 30-minutes sessions which are virtually pain-free and require no downtime so that you can get on with your day straight after treatment.

Snoring Laser Care’s approach to snoring is holistic. We work with your GP, dietician, ENT specialist or any other medical practitioner to fully treat your snoring problem on a causation level. We do not believe in band-aid solutions. And, because we are a team of dentists, we will also assess your mouth structure to see if the solution is there.

So, contact us today to book a consultation and get you on the way to a better night’s sleep.

References:

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, (2018). Overweight & Obesity Overview [online]

Snore Australia, (2018). Snoring Treatment Options. [online]