Snoring: in recent years, medical research has increasingly dealt with an apparently minor topic, even though it is widespread at all ages, often the cause of good-natured teasing by those who sleep next to those who suffer from it

Snoring is to be considered neither a symptom nor an illness

It should not be alarmed if it occurs sporadically, for example, when you have a cold or have eaten or drunk a few too many glasses at dinner.

If, however, it recurs frequently, it is important to investigate the cause.

It may in fact be an indicator of certain problems that deserve attention.

What is snoring

Snoring is a hoarse or shrill noise caused by the noisy passage of air through the upper airways, most often the nasal airways, due to complicated vibration mechanisms of the mucous membranes.

The dangers of snoring

In addition to making sleep disturbed and not very restful, with obvious repercussions on daily activities during the day, snoring promotes impaired breathing and the onset of apnoea episodes that can last up to 1 minute or more.

These are interruptions in breathing, followed by sudden awakenings, almost always not perceived by the person.

This condition, called ‘sleep apnoea syndrome’ (OSAS), through extremely complex mechanisms, especially if protracted for a long time, can

• cause alterations in blood oxygen saturation and heart rate;
• increase blood pressure;
• promote the formation of atherosclerotic plaques;
• constitute an additional risk factor for major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke;
• can cause growth retardation and hyperactivity in children.

Reduced oxygen saturation and frequent sudden awakenings also contribute to insulin resistance, altered blood sugar levels and overweight.

Who is most at risk for OSAS

People most at risk for ‘sleep apnoea syndrome’ are:

• those with anatomo-functional alterations of the first airways, i.e. the nose and throat;
• those who are overweight or frankly obese;
• heavy smokers;
• young adults under 30 years of age with hypertension resistant to common therapies.

From an epidemiological point of view, a prevalence is observed in the male sex: approximately 50% as opposed to 23% in females.

In women, however, it tends to increase after the menopause and in the later stages of pregnancy.

What are the alarm bells for OSAS sufferers?

Among the alarm bells that may make one suspect of suffering from OSAS:

• excessive daytime sleepiness;
• habitual snoring, every night for at least 6 months;
• apneas reported by partner;
• perception of lack of restorative sleep;
• morning headaches;
• excessive waking up to go to the bathroom;
• inability to concentrate.

Snoring, diagnosis and treatment

If we think, or people around us tell us, that we are significant and, above all, constant snorers, it is worth investigating the problem more thoroughly by contacting a sleep centre.

If the doctor glimpses the possibility of the presence of a form of OSAS, he or she will suggest a polysomnography, or rather a nocturnal cardiorespiratory monitoring at home.

Depending on the result, a ‘tailor-made’ course of treatment will then be proposed that takes into account individual factors and psychological aspects and that, depending on the case, may include

• physical-nutritional therapy aimed at weight loss, in cases of overweight or obesity;
• educational programme with respect to risk factors, such as avoiding or limiting alcoholic beverages in the evening hours, not smoking, eating a light dinner;
• mandibular advancement dental devices;
• otorhinolaryngological or maxillo-facial surgery, if anatomo-functional alterations of the nose and mouth are present;
• use of a positive pressure ventilator, i.e. CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), a kind of ventilator to be used while sleeping that delivers a flow of air capable of maintaining regular breathing and re-establishing normal oxygenation during sleep, if the presence of OSAS is ascertained. For the treatment of OSAS, in fact, there are no drug therapies.

The approach to snoring and sleep apnoea syndrome appears complex, but experience confirms that, if properly treated, improvements in health and general well-being are often highly satisfying and allow one to significantly increase one’s quality of life.

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Source:

GSD