Snoring is very common amongst the general population, but the real tragedy of the condition, and one which makes it unique, is how the symptoms of snoring affect others and not just the sufferer.
Snoring is a serious medical condition
Despite being the subject of countless jokes, snoring is no laughing matter.
Around half the population snore occasionally, with a quarter of them snoring every night.
Serious, loud snoring can ruin a person’s sleep, and not just the snorer. Partners, children, roommates, even neighbours can all have their sleep patterns interrupted by someone else’s snoring.
A good night’s sleep is essential to a person’s wellbeing. Sleep deprivation leads to a long list of health issues, including chronic exhaustion.
Symptoms include the expected, such as fatigue and loss of concentration, but can get worse, resulting in serious problems like hallucinations and memory loss.
Mood swings are also common with those who don’t get enough sleep, resulting in being short tempered with friends, family, and work colleagues.
These mood swings may even develop into something more serious, such as anxiety and depression. The impact of lack of sleep on the frontal lobe of the brain overlaps with other disorders such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and those with chronic insomnia also have an increased risk of suicide.
Being constantly tired also means more accidents, with thousands of mishaps both at home, on the road and at work due to lack of sleep.
Around half the population snore occasionally, with a quarter of them snoring every night.
Serious, loud snoring can ruin a person’s sleep, and not just the snorer. Partners, children, roommates, even neighbours can all have their sleep patterns interrupted by someone else’s snoring.
A good night’s sleep is essential to a person’s wellbeing. Sleep deprivation leads to a long list of health issues, including chronic exhaustion.
Symptoms include the expected, such as fatigue and loss of concentration, but can get worse, resulting in serious problems like hallucinations and memory loss.
Mood swings are also common with those who don’t get enough sleep, resulting in being short tempered with friends, family, and work colleagues.
These mood swings may even develop into something more serious, such as anxiety and depression. The impact of lack of sleep on the frontal lobe of the brain overlaps with other disorders such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and those with chronic insomnia also have an increased risk of suicide.
Being constantly tired also means more accidents, with thousands of mishaps both at home, on the road and at work due to lack of sleep.
What causes snoring?
When we sleep, our bodies relax, and everything tends to go soft and limp. This includes the soft tissue at the back of our mouths and throat, which settles and obstructs the flow of air.
As our airways narrow, the pressure increases, and this higher pressure is enough to vibrate the soft tissue surrounding it. It is this vibration that we call snoring.
Obviously, if it was just a case of our bodies relaxing during sleep, everyone would snore, but that’s not the case. Some people are more susceptible to snoring than others.
Those who carry more weight are more likely to snore, with the increased tissue blocking the airways.
The same goes for people who drink and smoke, with both affecting the body negatively, resulting in a higher likelihood of suffering from the condition.
As our airways narrow, the pressure increases, and this higher pressure is enough to vibrate the soft tissue surrounding it. It is this vibration that we call snoring.
Obviously, if it was just a case of our bodies relaxing during sleep, everyone would snore, but that’s not the case. Some people are more susceptible to snoring than others.
Those who carry more weight are more likely to snore, with the increased tissue blocking the airways.
The same goes for people who drink and smoke, with both affecting the body negatively, resulting in a higher likelihood of suffering from the condition.
How is snoring treated?
In the majority of cases, a minor surgical procedure to reduce snoring should be enough to at least help, if not fix it altogether.
Because snoring is caused by the vibration or flapping of the soft palate, snoring treatment utilises radiofrequency waves emitted from an Elman Surgitron to stop this soft palate from flapping excessively.
During the operation, which is carried out under local anaesthetic, low temperature radio frequency energy is delivered to the soft palate muscles. This induces the palate to stiffen by scarring the muscles.
Occasionally the inside of the nose needs to be treated as well – simply to improve passage of air through the nostrils.
The procedure usually takes around ¾ of an hour and requires a local anaesthetic. Following the minor operation, you can carry on normal activities, such as working or eating, with only a few restrictions, although sometimes more than one treatment can be necessary.
Because snoring is caused by the vibration or flapping of the soft palate, snoring treatment utilises radiofrequency waves emitted from an Elman Surgitron to stop this soft palate from flapping excessively.
During the operation, which is carried out under local anaesthetic, low temperature radio frequency energy is delivered to the soft palate muscles. This induces the palate to stiffen by scarring the muscles.
Occasionally the inside of the nose needs to be treated as well – simply to improve passage of air through the nostrils.
The procedure usually takes around ¾ of an hour and requires a local anaesthetic. Following the minor operation, you can carry on normal activities, such as working or eating, with only a few restrictions, although sometimes more than one treatment can be necessary.
A simple procedure can change your life
The resulting problems caused by lack of sleep affects everything in your life, from personal and professional relationships to basic everyday activities.
Getting a good night’s sleep is absolutely essential for your everyday wellbeing, and snoring can destroy that.
Whether it is yourself or a loved one who snores, we can help.
Dr Henryk Poczwa at the Vein and Skin Clinic has performed numerous successful treatments to combat snoring over the last 10 years. He was one of the first to pioneer the procedure in New Zealand under the auspices of an ENT specialist.
If you would finally like a good night’s rest and relaxation, then put snoring to bed for good with a visit to the Vein and Skin Clinic.
Contact us today with any questions you may have, or book a consultation with the doctor.
Nothing in this world beats a good night’s sleep.
Getting a good night’s sleep is absolutely essential for your everyday wellbeing, and snoring can destroy that.
Whether it is yourself or a loved one who snores, we can help.
Dr Henryk Poczwa at the Vein and Skin Clinic has performed numerous successful treatments to combat snoring over the last 10 years. He was one of the first to pioneer the procedure in New Zealand under the auspices of an ENT specialist.
If you would finally like a good night’s rest and relaxation, then put snoring to bed for good with a visit to the Vein and Skin Clinic.
Contact us today with any questions you may have, or book a consultation with the doctor.
Nothing in this world beats a good night’s sleep.
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