What is behind sleep noise | Seniors Guide

            

. 2 Snoring

What happens? The throat muscles relax during sleep, the upper respiratory tract narrows, the palate and suppository vibrate while breathing and produce the snoring sounds. The sleeping person usually does not notice, the partner often feels strongly burdened by the noise. At least 60 percent of men and 40 percent of women snore, high unreported cases of those affected.

What causes? With age, the muscle tension in the throat decreases. Anesthetic agents include runny nose, polyps, alcohol, smoking, obesity and synthetic sleeping pills and tranquilizers.

When to the doctor? Snoring is harmless in itself. Often the partner urges but on a therapy because he feels disturbed. For very loud snoring with respiratory failure and heavy daytime fatigue necessarily to the doctor. Then a thorough diagnosis in the sleep laboratory is advisable. A dentist-specific rail for the night pushes the lower jaw and tongue slightly forward and can brake out noise. Eventually, surgery helps to keep the airway clear. Discuss individually with the expert what makes sense.

What can I do? Changing Lifestyles, Limiting or Eliminating Alcohol Use and Smoking, Overweight Reduction Discard Sleep Aid. Better sleep on the side, as a support put a small pillow in the back. In the pharmacy there are special clamps that stretch the nostrils.

Tip for the Partner: It is often enough to talk to the snorer briefly or ask him to turn to the side. If that does not work, rest with ear plugs, try a light pill from the pharmacy or, if possible, move to another room.

. 3 Crunching teeth

What happens? Unconsciously the sleeping man grits his teeth or presses his jaw joints together. Crunching and pressing, however, can also take place during the day.

What causes? Mostly there is psychological or physical stress behind it. Alcohol, caffeine, smoking or medications can have a strengthening effect. Roughly estimated, five percent of over-65s are nocturnal crunchers.

When to the doctor? Nocturnal grinding noises are usually noticed by the partner. Crunching every now and then is not bad. But if you feel more often pain in the area of ​​the cheek, the temple or in front of the ear, should let the dentist clarify possible causes. If the denture has already been damaged, for example by increased tooth abrasion, it is also the right contact person. An individually designed bite bar for the night protects the teeth and relieves the chewing muscles.

What can I do for myself? Get rid of crunchy enhancers like cigarettes or alcohol. Prosthesis wearers should remove their third party at night. It is important to reduce the stress level as much as possible. Talk about your worries and hardships that seem to keep you going to sleep. Have you ever tried yoga? It is good to learn a relaxation procedure. In some cases, psychotherapy counseling is the best way to solve problems.

Tip for the Partner: Listen, if your partner wants to talk about his charges. At the same time, take good care of your sleep.

Expert advice: Prof. Helmut Frohnhofen, German Society for Sleep Research and Sleep Medicine; Dr. Michael Bohndorf, ENT Center Düsseldorf; Dr. Bruno Imhoff, German Society for Functional Diagnostics and Therapy