Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

I have friends who snore loudly... And it's annoying when you are trying to sleep...
Some times I wish they would get their snoring treated...
So here's some info I found about snoring.
While loud disruptive snoring is at best a social problem that may strain relationships, for many men, women and even children, loud habitual snoring may signal a potentially life threatening disorder: obstructive sleep apnea.



It is important to distinguish between snoring and OSA. Many people snore. It's estimated that approximately 30% to 50% snore at one time or another, some significantly. Everyone has heard stories of men and women whose snoring can be heard rooms away from where they are sleeping.


Snoring of this magnitude can cause several problems, including marital discord, sleep disturbances and waking episodes sometimes caused by one's own snoring. But, snoring does not always equal OSA; sometimes it is only a social inconvenience. Still, even a social inconvenience can require treatment, and there are several options available to chronic snorers.


Some non-medical treatments that may alleviate snoring include:


Weight loss — as little as 10 pounds may be enough to make a difference.


Change of sleeping position — Because you tend to snore more when sleeping on your back, sleeping on your side may be helpful.


Avoid alcohol, caffeine and heavy meals — especially within two hours of bedtime.


Avoid sedatives — which can relax your throat muscles and increase the tendency for airway obstruction related to snoring.


Your doctor has other treatment options, including the following:


Radio Frequency (RF) of the Soft Palate uses radio waves to shrink the tissue in the throat or tongue, thereby increasing the space in the throat and making airway obstruction less likely. Over the course of several treatments the inner tissue shrinks while the outer tissue remains unharmed. Several treatments may be required, but the long-term success of this procedure has not as yet been determined.


Laser-Assisted Uvuloplasty (LAUP) is a surgical procedure that removes the uvula and surrounding tissue to open the airway behind the palate. This procedure is generally used to relieve snoring and can be performed in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon's office with local or general anesthesia.


So don't take it lightly and go get yourself treated at a hospital before it becomes too late.


Source : http://www.aaoms.org/sleep_apnea.php