What causes snoring?
Snoring is caused by the muscles and soft tissues in the throat that relax during sleep. The tongue sinks away and thus reduces the airway. This makes the airflow more difficult: You have to suck the air in with more force. The soft palate and the uvula are sucked in the direction of the larynx. This higher air velocity causes the soft palate and uvula to vibrate, causing the snoring sound. Snoring causes you to produce rustling or humming sound while breathing in your sleep. This sound can be so strong that a partner, roommate or even neighbors can be bothered by it.
- 15 million people from the UK snore
- 60% of all snorers is male, 40% is female
- A snorer can produce sounds up to 70 decibels
- Snoring can be hereditary
- Alcohol, medicines, allergies and obesity can play a reinforcing role.
- The Greek word "Apnea" literally means "without breath".
- An apnea is a pause of breathing for more than 10 seconds.
- About 5% of all people have apnea
- Apnea is often accompanied by violent snoring and a strong lack of movement
- People with apnea often suffer from fatigue and morning headaches
What causes apnea?
Apnea is the medical term for an interruption of breathing for longer than 10 seconds. During an apnea, there is no movement of the muscles involved in breathing and the lung capacity remains unchanged. Very loud snoring can be a sign of this more serious condition: obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Tongue and jaw muscles relax during sleep and block the breath flow completely or partially during sleep.
At SomnoClinic® you can use the latest method to control your sleep: the WatchPAT is a unique method that allows you to monitor your sleep at home. After a night of sleep with the WatchPAT you get a complete report with a clear indication of whether there is a possibility of apnea.
The solution
SomnoClinic® is the only snoring clinic with all customized treatment methods. During your first free consultation, all possibilities are discussed.
A custom made snoring mouthpiece prevents weakening of the palate and ensures that the tongue can not sink away. This keeps the pharynx free and prevents snoring. There is no operation involved; you only wear the snoring mouthpiece at night. Swallowing and talking remains possible.