Wonder why people snore? Blame the way we're put together
After a long night of disrupted sleep, it's common to wonder just why people snore. Anatomy -- the way the mouth and throat are structured -- could be a big factor.
Anatomical conditions that can contribute to snoring, according to Mayo Clinic experts, include a too-narrow airway, enlarged tonsils, enlarged adenoids (tissues at the back of your throat) and a low, thick soft palate, which is the upper surface of the mouth
An elongated uvuvla -- the triangular piece of tissue that hangs from soft palate, at the back -- also can be a reason why people snore. It can obstruct airflow and increase vibration that causes snoring. Also, people who are overweight can have excess tissue that contributes to the narrowing of the airway.
Prominence at the base of the tongue can be another reason why people snore, as can poor muscle tone in the tongue and throat. Drinking alcohol a few hours before bedtime can cause throat muscles to relax and cause airway obstruction.
Ways to Control Snoring
But once you figure out why people snore, the next question is obvious: How do you stop it? Mayo Clinic experts point to a number of ways to deal with snoring caused by these factors. They include:
•Oral appliances: These are form-fitting dental mouthpieces that help adjust the position of the tongue and soft palate to keep the airway open.
•Traditional surgery: A procedure called uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, or UPPP, tightens and trims excess tissue. Think of it as a face-lift for the throat.
•Laser surgery: Called laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty, or LAUP, this is a procedure to shorten the soft palate and remove the uvula. The removal of excess tissue enlarges the airway and reduces vibration that causes snoring. It may take more than one treatment to get the snoring under control. Laser surgery is an option for loud and disruptive snoring, but it is not recommended for occasional or light snoring.
•Somnoplasty: This type of surgery is also called radiofrequency tissue ablation. It utilizes a low-intensity radio frequency signal to remove part of the soft palate. It's an outpatient procedure that is done using a local anesthetic. Somnoplasty causes slight scarring of the soft palate, which may help reduce snoring.
•CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, forces air through the airway to keep it open while you sleep. It means wearing a special mask that's hooked up to an air machine while you sleep. To be effective, CPAP must be used every night.
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