Snoring

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Snoring is a sound that is made by the movement of air over relaxed throat and tongue muscles. During sleep, the breathing muscles relax much more than when a person is awake. The throat and tongue muscles loosen and sag. This may partially block your windpipe. Most snoring is not dangerous. However, snoring in some people may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (AP-nee-ah) syndrome (SIN-drohm), or OSAS. Apnea is when a person stops breathing for ten or more seconds. A person has OSAS if he stops breathing five or more times in one hour. A person also has OSAS if he stops breathing 30 or more times during a six hour sleep period.
  
  
• Treatment for snoring may include losing weight and avoiding alcohol before bedtime. Special devices that you put in your mouth, called dental appliances (ah-PLEYE-an-ses), may help. If you have sleep apnea, you may need a special machine to help you breathe while sleeping. If your snoring is caused by a problem with your nose or throat, you may need surgery.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Avoid using over-the-counter medicines that may cause sleepiness: You may have daytime sleepiness because of not feeling rested after being asleep. Avoid using certain cough and cold medicines, and other over-the-counter medicines that may cause sleepiness.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.

Wellness hints:

• Driving: Some people who snore may have problems getting enough rest. Do not drive if you are so tired that you cannot stay awake or be fully alert.
  
  
• Exercise: Exercise makes the heart stronger, lowers blood pressure, and helps keep you healthy. Begin to exercise slowly and do more as you get stronger. Talk with your primary healthcare provider before you start an exercise program.
  
  
• Weight: If you are overweight, losing weight may help decrease your snoring. Weighing too much can make your heart work harder and can cause bad health problems. Ask your caregiver for more information about a weight loss plan that is right for you.

What can I do to help decrease my snoring?

• Do not drink liquids that contain alcohol within four hours of bedtime. Alcohol relaxes the breathing airways and can cause snoring.
  
  
• Before bedtime, avoid using medicines that make you drowsy or relaxed.
  
  
• Sleeping on your side may help you breathe and prevent snoring. Sewing a sock that holds a tennis ball to the back of your pajama top may stop you from sleeping on your back.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have questions or concerns about your snoring or medicine.
  
  
• You or your bedmate think that you are having new or worsening problems with breathing while sleeping.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have chest pain.
  
  
• You have new trouble breathing.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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