About 45% of normal adults snore occasionally . . . but 25% are habitual snorers. It is more common in males and overweight persons, and the problem grows worse with age. Consumption of alcohol, smoking, enlarged tonsils and adenoids, a large uvula, obstructed nasal airways, excessive weight, hypothyroidism and other "glandular" disorders may result in snoring.
Snoring may be just irritating, or it may be life threatening. In its most exaggerated form, it is known as sleep apnea. It is an unsuccessful attempt to breathe through the nose and mouth obstructed by the soft palate, uvula, nose, tonsils, adenoids, or base of the tongue. The snorer may be deprived of oxygen and also the "deeper" sleep stages that a person requires. You may be sleepy during the day, while driving, or on the job. It has been associated with high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
The solution may be as simple as managing a nasal allergy or infection, or reshaping the soft palate by means of laser treatment. In the meantime, try weight loss, avoid smoking, avoid sleeping pills or alcoholic beverages within three hours of bed time, sleep on your side rather than your back, and raise the head of your bed. Then get a thorough examination of the nose and throat to determine the cause of your snoring and the best way to treat it.
As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a member of the American Association of Sleep Disorders, Dr. Albury treats this problem in several ways. He may be able to reshape the soft palate and uvula to eliminate much of the obstruction to free breathing. Sometimes it is necessary to pull the lower jaw forward surgically so that it does not "fall back" during the sleep period when you are most relaxed to cut off your airway. He will be able to evaluate your particular anatomy and then make suggestions for treatment. In the meantime, try the suggestions listed in the paragraph above to see if you may be able to gain some measure of relief.
