More people are affected as they get older. Around 60% of men and 40% of women over the age of 60 snore.

Snoring is a particular problem for sleeping partners.

 

 

During sleep, the muscles in the throat relax and the air we breathe passes over the uvula. This creates vibrations that cause the annoying snoring noise.

 

What causes or favours snoring

 

Sleeping on your back

Sleeping with your mouth open

Alcohol, tranquillisers, sleeping pills, antihistamines and other drugs that relax the muscles in the throat and dry out the mucous membranes.

Smoking

Severe overweight

Blocked nasal cavities

Nasal polyps

Bent nasal septum

Hay fever and other allergies

 

How to remedy snoring

 

If snoring is caused by blocked nasal cavities, it helps to take a decongestant nasal spray before going to bed.

 

Further measures:

Plasters to widen the nasal cavities

Sleeping in prone or lateral position

Place your head higher than your body

Keep the bedroom as dust-free as possible

Place a humidifier in the bedroom to reduce the drying out of the nasal mucous membranes

Rinse your nose with a saline solution before going to bed

Instead of sleeping pills, drink a glass of hot milk with honey before going to bed

Avoid alcohol and smoking

 

There are special devices that can be used to keep the jaws in the correct position and thus prevent snoring. The dentist can provide the best information about these devices.