York PA Snoring Treatment
If you snore, chances are good that you are not the only one motivated to find an effective treatment. If your family is suffering right along with you, night after night, Dr. Currie may be able to help you all finally get a good night's sleep again.
More than 85 million people in this country snore, and research indicates that about 40% of those snorers have some form of sleep disorder such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (see sidebar for more information). While there is no cure for sleep apnea, there are very effective treatments.
What makes people snore?
Most people snore at one time or another. A partial blockage of the airway causes the throat to vibrate, and snoring occurs. This partial blockage can be temporary, as with a cold or upper respiratory infection, or chronic.
What can help stop snoring?
Before any treatments are discussed, you should consult a sleep specialist to determine whether or not you have an underlying sleep disorder. If you do, the sleep specialist will further determine the nature and extent of your sleep disorder, and will make recommendations accordingly.
Dr. Currie can treat cases of mild sleep apnea with a custom-made oral appliance that will hold your lower jaw in an open position while you sleep. This device is gentle and comfortable.
Practical Tips to Stop Snoring
These tips may also help your snoring situation improve:
- Lose weight: Even a small weight loss can help decrease the amount of fatty tissue at the back of your throat, and reduce snoring.
- Sleep on your side: If you normally sleep on your back, this could take care of the problem entirely.
- Elevate the head of your bed, and sleep without a pillow: Optimize the position of your head and neck to keep your airway open.
- Avoid certain medications and alcohol before bed: Certain medications and alcohol increase the level of relaxation of your tongue and throat muscles, which makes it more likely that you will snore.