Estimated reading time: 5 mins. The morning routine often starts with groggily opening one’s eyes and considering the repercussions of snoring that might have transpired during the night. Could there be tension with a partner who’s lost sleep, or perhaps a day punctuated with naps? While snoring might seem innocuous, it’s important to recognize that it could be indicative of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). If not addressed, OSA can pose significant health risks. Snorers are three times more likely to encounter health issues than those who don’t snore, highlighting the myriad of problems associated with this nocturnal activity. In light of National Stop Snoring Week 2022, the focus is on the advantages of addressing snoring and the measures one can take to overcome it.
Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
Snoring is common and often harmless, merely a nuisance for the person sharing the bed. However, in numerous instances, snoring is a symptom of a more severe condition. OSA occurs when the airway narrows to the extent that its walls stick together and close, often for 10-30 seconds at a time, or in severe cases, up to 50 times per hour or more. When the airway reopens, a loud and violent snore, known as an apnoea, can occur. Throughout the night, individuals with OSA repeatedly exit deep sleep to breathe, a process doctors refer to as an “arousal”, leading to sleepiness the following day. Untreated OSA can lead to grave health issues, including an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, and hypertension.
The Benefits of Addressing Snoring and OSA
Rejuvenating Sleep: Chronic headaches upon waking can plague OSA sufferers, potentially due to sleep deprivation or fluctuating oxygen levels in the blood.
Harmonious Relationships: Snoring can strain relationships, with over 25% of couples choosing to sleep separately. Confronting snoring issues can help reunite couples in the same room.
Increased Energy: OSA can lead to daytime fatigue, making tasks requiring high concentration, like driving, dangerous.
Reduced Health Risks: Chronic snorers and those with OSA have double the risk of heart disease compared to non-snorers. Treatment can significantly diminish the likelihood of a heart attack.
Strategies to Stop Snoring
Lifestyle adjustments, such as quitting smoking, losing weight, or cutting back on alcohol, can be the first steps to mitigate snoring. If these changes prove ineffective, snoring relief products may offer assistance.
Not all snoring is the same, so some products may be more effective than others. Snoreeze products are designed to address the three primary types of snoring:
- Everyday Snoring: This occurs when the airway structure and soft tissues relax during sleep, leading to dehydration and vibration of the tissue when breathing. Throat Spray, Oral Strips, or Lozenges may be beneficial.
- Snoring with Congestion: Colds and allergies can cause nasal tissue to swell, blocking airflow and leading to snoring. Nasal Spray or Nasal Strips might be effective solutions.
- Loud Snoring and OSA: OSA leads to temporary airway closure, affecting sleep quality and overall health. While CPAP is a common treatment, oral devices are also recommended for mild-to-moderate OSA. It’s crucial to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Snoring Relief Opportunities
Celebrating National Stop Snoring Week, there’s a giveaway for a LabFit Oral Device valued at £209.99 on social media platforms, alongside daily discounts on products. The LabFit is a custom-fit oral device endorsed by the NHS for treating snoring and OSA.
Don’t miss out on these offers and follow the updates on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. National Stop Snoring Week, from April 18th to 22nd, 2022, is the perfect time to embark on a journey towards a snore-free life.