Snoring Solutions: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatments
A quiet night’s sleep is essential for your health and well-being. For some individuals, disruptive snoring can turn rest into a nightly struggle, affecting not just the snorer but their loved ones too.
At Sleeping Lab, Malaysia’s leading specialist in sleep health, we understand how disruptive snoring can be. Our goal is to provide personalised snoring solutions that address the root cause, helping you breathe easier, sleep better, and enjoy healthier days ahead.
Is Snoring Normal?
Occasional, light snoring is generally not a cause for concern. However, loud, persistent snoring that occurs on most nights is a strong indicator of a partially obstructed airway. This type of chronic snoring is not normal and may be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which requires medical attention.
Common Symptoms, Causes & Diagnosis of Problematic Snoring
Identifying the characteristics and triggers of your snoring is the first step toward finding the right treatment. A systematic evaluation helps pinpoint the underlying cause.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
If you notice any of the following symptoms, it may indicate problematic snoring or a related sleep disorder:
- Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
- Loud, persistent snoring night after night
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Excessive daytime sleepiness or irritability
- Difficulty focusing or mood swings
What Causes Snoring
Snoring occurs when airflow is partially blocked, causing tissues in the throat to vibrate. Common causes include:
- Relaxed throat muscles during sleep
- Nasal congestion or blockages
- Excess weight or thick neck tissue narrowing the airway
- Alcohol consumption or sedatives that relax throat muscles
- Enlarged uvula, tonsils, or soft palate interfering with airflow
How Snoring is Diagnosed
At Sleeping Lab, a thorough diagnostic process ensures the root cause of snoring is identified. This includes:
- Physical and ENT Evaluation: A thorough examination of the nose, mouth, palate, and airway.
- Sleep Questionnaires: Detailed forms to assess your sleep history, symptoms, and lifestyle factors.
- In-Clinic or Home-Based Sleep Studies: An overnight sleep study (polysomnography) is the definitive method for analysing breathing patterns and diagnosing sleep apnea.
- Airway Obstruction Assessment: In some cases, imaging or endoscopy may be used to identify the specific site of airway obstruction.
Why You Shouldn't Ignore Chronic Snoring
It is important to address persistent snoring due to its links to significant health risks.
- A Symptom of Sleep Apnea: Chronic snoring is the most common indicator of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.
- Causes Daytime Fatigue: The constant sleep interruptions prevent deep, restorative rest, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness, poor concentration, and impaired daily functioning.
- Increases Cardiovascular Risk: Each breathing pause strains the heart and can lead to serious long-term health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
- Impacts Quality of Life: The disruptive noise can strain relationships, while chronic fatigue often contributes to irritability and a lower overall sense of well-being.
Anti-Snoring Devices That Actually Work
For many individuals, anti-snoring devices prescribed by a healthcare professional offer a non-invasive treatment option. It is important to differentiate between over-the-counter products and medically prescribed devices. At Sleeping Lab, we provide solutions that are based on clinical evidence and designed for your specific diagnosis.
Oral Appliances (Mandibular Advancement Devices)
A Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) is a custom-made mouthpiece that is one of the leading non-surgical snoring solutions. It is designed to be worn comfortably while you sleep.
- How it Works: Gently moves the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open and prevent tissue vibration.
- Pros: Highly effective, silent, portable, and non-invasive.
- Cons: Requires professional fitting; may cause temporary jaw discomfort.
Nasal Dilators and Breathing Aids
Nasal dilators are simple devices designed to improve airflow through the nasal passages. They come as either external strips that stick to the outside of the nose or internal dilators that fit inside the nostrils.
- How it Works: External strips or internal dilators physically hold the nostrils open to improve nasal breathing.
- Pros: Inexpensive and widely available.
- Cons: Does not treat snoring originating from the throat, nor does it address sleep apnea.
CPAP Machines for Sleep Apnea
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is one of the most effective solutions for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the associated snoring.
- How it Works: Delivers a continuous stream of pressurised air through a mask, keeping the airway open and preventing both snoring and breathing pauses.
- Pros: The most effective method for eliminating sleep apnea and its associated snoring.
- Cons: Can be cumbersome for some users as requires nightly use and regular cleaning.
Laser Treatment for Snoring (Non-Invasive Option)
For individuals seeking a non-invasive procedure, laser treatment for snoring offers a modern and effective solution. This treatment, known as laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP), uses targeted laser energy to gently heat and stiffen the tissues of the soft palate. This process reduces the vibrations that cause snoring.
Key benefits of this procedure include:
- It is an in-clinic procedure associated with minimal discomfort.
- There is typically no required downtime, allowing for a resumption of normal activities.
- Some patients report a reduction in snoring after the initial session.
A full course of treatment typically involves 2-3 sessions, spaced several weeks apart, to achieve the optimal result.
Sleep Apnea & Surgical Solutions
When non-surgical treatments are not sufficient, a structural correction of the airway may be explored.
When Is Surgery Recommended for Snoring?
Surgery is typically recommended if non-invasive methods like CPAP or oral appliances are ineffective or not tolerated by the patient. It is also a primary option if a physical examination reveals a clear anatomical blockage, such as enlarged tonsils or a deviated septum, that can be surgically corrected.
Common Surgical Options
Several surgical procedures are available to address the physical structures that contribute to snoring and sleep apnea. The specific surgical procedure depends on the location of the obstruction.
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): Removes excess tissue from the soft palate and uvula to open the back of the throat.
- Septoplasty: Straightens a deviated septum to improve airflow through the nose.
- Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy: Removes enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids that are blocking the airway.
- Radiofrequency Ablation: Uses energy to shrink and stiffen tissues in the soft palate or tongue, reducing the vibrations that cause snoring.
Why Choose Sleeping Lab’s Snoring Clinic?
Choosing the right healthcare professional and a trusted sleep clinic in Malaysia can make all the difference in achieving lasting relief. At Sleeping Lab Malaysia, we offer a patient-centric approach grounded in medical expertise. Our specialists are dedicated to improving your sleep quality and overall health through accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plans.
By providing a comprehensive range of solutions—from custom-fitted anti-snoring devices to advanced laser treatment for snoring and surgical consultations—we partner with you to achieve quiet, restorative sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions about Snoring Solutions
The laser treatment for snoring uses a gentle, targeted laser to heat the tissues of the soft palate. This controlled heating causes the collagen in the tissue to contract and stiffen, which reduces the vibrations that produce the sound of snoring. The procedure is non-invasive and performed in our clinic.
No, not all snores are created equal. While snoring is a key symptom of sleep apnea, it can also be caused by less severe issues like nasal congestion or the anatomy of your mouth. However, because loud and chronic snoring is a strong indicator of sleep apnea, a professional evaluation is always recommended.
Yes, clinically-approved anti-snoring devices like custom-fitted MADs and CPAP machines are designed for safe, long-term nightly use. It is crucial they are prescribed and fitted by a healthcare professional to ensure they are effective and do not cause side effects like jaw discomfort.
Recovery time varies depending on the specific type of snoring surgery performed. Less invasive procedures may require only a few days of recovery, while more extensive surgeries could require several weeks. Your surgeon will provide a detailed recovery plan.
Yes, we provide comprehensive sleep studies (polysomnography) at our modern facility. A sleep study is the most accurate method for diagnosing the cause of snoring and determining if it's linked to obstructive sleep apnea or another sleep disorder.
The "most effective" device is the one that is most suitable for your specific diagnosis. For individuals with moderate to severe sleep apnea, CPAP therapy is often the most effective. For those with simple snoring or mild sleep apnea, a custom-fitted Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) is frequently a highly effective and more comfortable alternative.
Ready to Stop Snoring? Let’s Find the Right Solution for You
You’ve learned how chronic snoring can impact your health and well-being. The next step is to find a solution tailored specifically for you. Our sleep specialists are ready to conduct a thorough evaluation to identify the root cause of your snoring and develop an effective, personalised plan.
