By Christine Cheng (R.Ph), Fred Cheng (R.Ph), Lyle Sunada (R.Ph)
Laugh and the world laughs with you; snore and you sleep alone. Snoring typically increases as we age due to changes in anatomy and medication use. It affects up to 25% of us, and if you include sufferers of “secondary snoring”, then the numbers rise dramatically. But snoring is harmless, right? Well, yes and no. Physically, even if you can endure the pillows and elbows tossed at you by your spouse or trip companions, snoring can be a sign of things such as a sinus infection, nasal congestion, deviated septum, or obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the temporary blockage of airflow during sleep for 10 seconds or more, resulting in less oxygen getting to the blood, thus causing the heart to pump harder, increasing blood pressure, and ultimately increasing the risk of congestive heart failure and stroke. Snorers may also not reach the deeper sleep stages, which are required for an appropriate night’s rest. This can be dangerous in that it renders the person less alert for their daily activities (eg. driving, crossing street, going up and down stairs).
Mild cases of snoring can be rectified with lifestyle changes. For example, obese people have bulky neck tissue that could narrow the air passageways, so losing weight may help. The use of tranquilizers and sleeping pills, antihistamines, or alcohol just before bed may relax the muscles too much, causing the collapsible airways to narrow. Midnight snacks should also be avoided, since food can trigger saliva and mucus production which may interfere with breathing. Sleeping on your side may angle your jaw in such a way to allow the smoothest airflow to and from the lungs. Having a humidifier can help moisten the airways; a dry throat tends to vibrate more than a moist one.
More severe cases of snoring will require further assessments and may even require surgery, but there are several NATURAL REMEDIES that can benefit mild to moderate cases of snoring. BREATHE RIGHT nasal strips are great for opening up the nasal passageways. Most cases of snoring are due to obstruction in the throat tissues, though, so other remedies are needed. A homeopathic product called SNORE-EZE MIX can be taken a short period before sleeping and has the benefit of having no side-effects or interactions. It can be used on its own, or combined with another homeopathic product called LUFFEEL NASAL SPRAY to further open up the airways and minimize irritation to the passages.
An interesting concoction called PS ANTI-SNORE SPRAY is compounded right on location at our pharmacy. All that is required is 5 or 6 sprays at the back of the throat towards the uvula and upper palate 30-40 minutes before bedtime and the mild- to moderate-snorer will be kept from snoring. It tastes great (tutti-fruiti!) and works by shrinking the soft tissues at the back of the throat.
A promising product called SNORE OWL is a mechanical device that fits into the mouth like a sports mouth-guard. It is safe to use with any of the above natural products if desired. The device is custom-moldable to fit your mouth, and works by positioning the lower jaw forward and slightly downwards in order to separate the soft mass of tissue at the back of the throat thus maximizing the size of the airway. There are 2 settings and it is unique in that it allows for some sideways movement of the jaw, making it much more comfortable than other such mouth-guards. This product was developed locally and their office is just down the street from Cloverdale Pharmasave. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee. We have already had quite a few clients reporting success with it.
Snoring could present as both a social and a health-related concern, but there are ways to prevent or even stop it. Why not give yourself and your roommates a good night’s sleep and try some of the remedies our clients have benefitted from? You will find yourself living with more energy, better mental acuity, and improved memory. Sleep well!
Christine and Fred Cheng are a sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique family-owned and operated Pharmasave in Cloverdale, BC. Lyle Sunada is the pharmacy manager at the same pharmacy. They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use. They would love to hear from you! 604-576-2888 or Contact Us. Of course, before you begin any activity program or try any OTC supplementation, check with your physician and pharmacist.
