MANILA, Philippines - Snoring is quite simply the sound produced during sleep by the vibration of the soft tissues in the upper airway, including the nose and throat. It typically happens when a breath is drawn in, but may also occur when breathing out. Snoring occurs occasionally in nearly everyone, yet many people snore chronically. In people 30 to 60 years old, 44 percent of men and 28 percent of women habitually snore. Older people often snore due to muscular weakness that occurs with age. Snoring is associated with other common conditions, including obesity, nasal congestion, hypothyroidism, enlarged tonsils or adenoids.
When snoring is present, it suggests that the nose or throat may be partially obstructed. This obstruction leads to difficulties moving air. As a result, the air moves turbulently through the airway and this causes the vibration and sound of snoring. Mild snoring may have little effect on the quality of your sleep. However, as the airway becomes more obstructed, the effort to breathe likewise increases.
If breathing is compromised, the oxygen levels within the blood will drop. Snoring has been found to increase the risk of narrowing of the blood vessels within the neck, a phenomenon called carotid atherosclerosis. The more total sleep time spent snoring the higher the risk of developing the narrowing. It is thought that direct vibratory damage of the carotid arteries within the neck may lead to increased plaque formation within these blood vessels. Perhaps the biggest problem with snoring (especially when it is loud) is the disruption of the sleep of others, including your bed partner.
Sometimes, people who snore also suffer from sleep apnea. Apnea refers to periods of interrupted breathing that can last 10 seconds or longer. It’s essentially the same physiological process as snoring, except that the muscles relax so much they cause a complete, rather than partial, obstruction of the airway. When sleep apnea occurs, carbon dioxide accumulates in the bloodstream and oxygen levels fall. The brain detects these changes and reacts by waking the person up so that normal breathing can resume.
Sleep apnea can occur several times a night, disrupting normal restorative sleep. Clues that your snoring is more than just a nuisance include falling asleep during normal daytime activities, a frequent need to urinate at night (nocturia), or morning headaches.
Now, here’s a unique product that reportedly brings together a simple and effective solution to snoring: the AntiSnor Ring. The original AntiSnor Acupressure Ring was designed and invented in 1999, based on the Eastern technique of Chinese acupressure and the Western understanding on the nerve system. By wearing the ring on your left little finger (pinkie finger), pressure is applied to specific nerve points to activate the muscles, which control your upper airway patency to help reduce or prevent snoring. The AntiSnor Acupressure Ring is made from non-allergenic material and was subjected to Clinical Trials in 2012. It reportedly supports research that shows that stimulation of the nerves that activate the muscles that support the airways may help reduce snoring.
(For best results, consult your doctor.
AntiSnor Ring is available at Watsons.)