Does losing weight and doing more exercise help stop snoring?
A. Excess weight and lack of exercise are not the cause of snoring, but they will make things worse. Losing weight and doing more exercise are good for you and may help. Q. I have been told that I stop breathing for a few seconds then start snoring again with a grunt and a splutter. What is happening? A. What you describe is called ‘sleep apnoea’. In its commonest form the soft tissue of the tongue and upper airway collapse and close the airway off. In severe cases, breathing may stop for up to two minutes at a time, up to 20 or more times per hour. This form of sleep disordered breathing has serious consequences for the sufferer. Reduced oxygen levels in the blood affect the heart and brain — and the struggle to regain our breath starts off an automatic response that disrupts the natural sleep patterns and over time leaves the sufferer sleep deprived. It is vitally important you seek treatment for your condition. Q. How long will an oral appliance last? What is the effectiveness over
