HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR SNORING

Snoring is the hoarse or harsh sound that occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in your throat, causing the tissues to vibrate as you breathe. Nearly everyone snores now and then, but for some people it can be a chronic problem. Sometimes it may also indicate a serious health condition. In addition, snoring can be a nuisance to your partner.

Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol close to bedtime or sleeping on your side, can help stop snoring.

In addition, medical devices and surgery are available that may reduce disruptive snoring. However, these aren't suitable or necessary for everyone who snores.

Causes--Snoring can be caused by a number of factors, such as the anatomy of your mouth and sinuses, alcohol consumption, allergies, a cold, and your weight.

When you doze off and progress from a light sleep to a deep sleep, the muscles in the roof of your mouth (soft palate), tongue and throat relax. The tissues in your throat can relax enough that they partially block your airway and vibrate.

The more narrowed your airway, the more forceful the airflow becomes. This increases tissue vibration, which causes your snoring to grow louder.

The following conditions can affect the airway and cause snoring:

·         Your mouth anatomy. Having a low, thick soft palate can narrow your airway. People who are overweight may have extra tissues in the back of their throats that may narrow their airways. Likewise, if the triangular piece of tissue hanging from the soft palate (uvula) is elongated, airflow can be obstructed and vibration increased.

·         Alcohol consumption. Snoring can also be brought on by consuming too much alcohol before bedtime. Alcohol relaxes throat muscles and decreases your natural defenses against airway obstruction.

• Nasal problems. Chronic nasal congestion or a crooked partition between your nostrils (deviated nasal septum) may contribute to your snoring.
• Sleep deprivation. Not getting enough sleep can lead to further throat relaxation.
• Sleep position. Snoring is typically most frequent and loudest when sleeping on the back as gravity's effect on the throat narrows the airway.

Symptoms---Snoring is often associated with a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Not all snorers have OSA, but if snoring is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, it may be an indication to see a doctor for further evaluation for OSA:

·         Witnessed breathing pauses during sleep

·         Excessive daytime sleepiness

·         Difficulty concentrating

·         Morning headaches

·         Sore throat upon awakening

·         Restless sleep

·         Gasping or choking at night

·         High blood pressure

·         Chest pain at night

·         Your snoring is so loud it's disrupting your partner's sleep

·         In children, poor attention span, behavioral issues or poor performance in school

OSA often is characterized by loud snoring followed by periods of silence when breathing stops or nearly stops. Eventually, this reduction or pause in breathing may signal you to wake up, and you may awaken with a loud snort or gasping sound.

You may sleep lightly due to disrupted sleep. This pattern of breathing pauses may be repeated many times during the night.

People with obstructive sleep apnea usually experience periods when breathing slows or stops at least five times during every hour of sleep.

Risk factors---Risk factors that may contribute to snoring include:

·         Being a man. Men are more likely to snore or have sleep apnea than are women.

·         Being overweight. People who are overweight or obese are more likely to snore or have obstructive sleep apnea.

·         Having a narrow airway. Some people may have a long soft palate, or large tonsils or adenoids, which can narrow the airway and cause snoring.

·         Drinking alcohol. Alcohol relaxes your throat muscles, increasing the risk of snoring.

·         Having nasal problems. If you have a structural defect in your airway, such as a deviated septum, or your nose is chronically congested, your risk of snoring is greater.

·         Having a family history of snoring or obstructive sleep apnea. Heredity is a potential risk factor for OSA.

Complications----Habitual snoring may be more than just a nuisance. Aside from disrupting a bed partner's sleep, if snoring is associated with OSA, you may be at risk for other complications, including:

·         Daytime sleepiness

·         Frequent frustration or anger

·         Difficulty concentrating

·         A greater risk of high blood pressure, heart conditions and stroke

·         An increased risk of behavior problems, such as aggression or learning problems, in children with OSA

·         An increased risk of motor vehicle accidents due to lack of sleep

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. It strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance  at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When snoring   is concerned there are many effective medicines available in Homoeopathy , but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering mental and physical symptoms.

OPIUM 30—Opium is one of the excellent remedy for snoring, especially in old people. Deep breathing with rattling, unequal breathing. Stertorous breathing. Difficult, intermittent and deep.  Snoring in deep and heavy sleep. Breathing stops when going to sleep, must be shaken to start again. Snoring with mouth wide open and with chest congestion.  Snoring in apoplexy, asthma, coma and puerperal convulsions.

LEMNA MINOR 3----Lemna minor is best for snoring with obstruction of nose, due to nasal polyps. Enlargement of nasal bones. The person also experiences a putrid smell from nose, loss of smell and post nasal dropping.

CHINA OFFICINALIS 30---China is another best remedy for snoring , especially in children.  Loud heavy snoring during sleep.  The child is drowsy and sleepy. Anxious or frightful dreams during sleep with confused consciousness on waking in morning.

HIPPOZAENINUM 30—Hippozaeninum is  effective for snoring , especially in the aged. Snoring due to chronic nasal catarrh and ulceration of the nose. Snoring with swelling and redness of the nose. Cartilages of the bone become exposed.

OENANTHE CROCATA 6—Oenanthe is best for snoring in epileptic patients and during menstruation. In a deep sleep snoring loudly and moaning.

PULSATILLA 30—Pulsatilla is prescribed for snoring after convulsions with irregular labour pains.

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