Health Tip: Stop Your Snoring

(HealthDayNews) -- Snoring is the sound of obstructed breathing during sleep. It occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax enough to cause the airway to narrow and partially obstruct the flow of air, according to the Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.

As air tries to pass through these obstructions, the throat tissue vibrates, causing snoring. Large tonsils, a long soft palate, and excess fat deposits contribute to soft tissue narrowing.

There are several ways to treat snoring. The most common method is with a device called a CPAP (continuous positive air pressure) machine. It is usually applied through a tube to a mask that covers the nose. The air pressure that is generated splints the structures in the back of the throat, holding the airway open.

Oral appliances -- small plastic devices that are similar to orthodontic retainers or sports mouthguards -- also may prevent snoring.

A third option is surgery to the soft palate, uvula and tongue to eliminate the tissue that collapses during sleep.

-- Anne Thompson