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Primary Snoring

Description

Snoring is a very common condition effecting nearly half the population sometime in their lives. This condition is characterized by loud upper-airway breathing sounds while asleep. It’s caused by vibrations of the soft tissue in the back of the nose and throat. Although the noise is often loud enough to disturb bed partners, the snorer generally doesn’t wake up and his sleep cycle is rarely disturbed. While anyone can have this condition, it is most prevalent in overweight, middle-aged men. Other factors, including enlarged tonsils, sleeping on one’s back, nasal congestion, obesity, and the use of central-nervous-system depressants such as alcohol have all been shown to increase snoring.

Diagnosis

Snorers have no first-hand knowledge of snoring. It’s usually pointed out by a person sleeping in the same room. While the bed or room partner can lose sleep, the snorter does not have any excessive sleepiness caused by the noise.
Snorers, however, may have a dry mouth upon awakening.

Treatment

Drug stores often offer several medications and nose strips that supposedly relieve snoring; however, they do provide long-term relief. Sleeping on the side or stomach, as well as losing some weight, have both been shown to reduce snoring. Also, reducing the intake of sedatives, narcotics, and alcohol can reduce the tendency to snore.
Finally, a bed partner may want to invest in a good pair of earplugs.

Source: Adapted from International Classification of Sleep Disorders Diagnostic & Coding Manual, American Academy of Sleep Medicine.