Stop your Snoring Problems | Singapore Treatment Guide 2024

Snoring is a common sleep-related condition characterized by the vibration of tissues in the throat, which results in noise during sleep.

Table of Contents

[Open][Close]

What causes snoring?
What are the risk factors ?
How do you treat snoring in Singapore?
What is the best treatment for snoring?
Can snoring be cured completely?

What causes snoring?

It can be caused by various factors and may sometimes be a symptom of a more serious condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Relaxation of muscles: When the muscles in the upper airway relax during sleep, the walls of the air passages can fall together and narrow, causing them to vibrate and produce snoring sounds.
Nasal blockages: Conditions such as nasal allergies or deformities of the nasal septum can lead to poor nasal airflow and mouth breathing, worsening snoring.
Tongue position: The tongue falling back into the throat when sleeping on the back can contribute to snoring.
Excessive tissue: Conditions like enlarged tonsils, long soft palate, bulky tongue, and other obstructions in the throat can narrow the airway and lead to snoring.

What are the risk factors ?

Genetics: Facial and jaw abnormalities due to genetic predisposition can be risk factors
Obesity: Excess fat in the upper airway can amplify existing narrowing
Ageing: Loss of muscle tone with ageing can contribute. Males are more likely to snore than females.
Congestion: Throat congestion due to stomach acid reflux (heartburn) can contribute
Medications/Alcohol: Some medications and alcohol can relax upper airway muscles and induce

How do you treat snoring in Singapore?

If you have persistent loud noise during sleep, it’s essential to consult a physician. They may refer you to a Sleep Disorders Centre for a thorough evaluation. Treatment options for snoring can include both conservative and surgical approaches:

Conservative Treatment:

Weight loss for obese individuals
Avoiding alcohol and certain medications
Nasal decongestants to improve nasal breathing
Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) to keep the airway open
Dental appliances to hold the jaw forward during sleep

Surgical Treatment:

Nasal surgery to correct obstructions in the nasal airway
Palatal surgery to address soft palate abnormalities
Hypopharyngeal and base of tongue surgery to manage complex obstructions
Maxillomandibular advancement surgery to move the lower jaw and midface forward
Tracheostomy, in rare cases, to bypass upper airway obstruction

What is the best treatment for snoring?

In my clinical opinion, the best treatment is weight loss in obese individuals. This has both health and medical benefits.

Can snoring be cured completely?

It can be treated in majority of patients, and cured completely in some.

It’s essential to follow medical advice and consider the most appropriate treatment based on individual circumstances. Additionally, lifestyle changes like sleeping on the side and quitting smoking can help alleviate. Remember that while it is common, it can also be a sign of underlying health issues. If you or your bed partner notice persistent, loud, or disruptive noise, seeking medical evaluation and appropriate treatment is crucial for better sleep and overall well-being.