A groundbreaking laser treatment for snoring is showing remarkable results, potentially signalling the end of sleepless nights.
The innovative procedure, which involves zapping the throat with a laser, heats up the soft tissue, causing it to tighten and become firmer.
This could spell the end for the disruptive nighttime habit, as snoring is caused by the relaxation of soft tissues in the mouth, throat, or airways that then vibrate as air flows past them.
Firmer tissues mean these vibrations are less likely to occur.
In a recent trial reported by the International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology, according to the Daily Mail, out of over 70 participants, nearly 70% ceased to snore after undergoing three sessions of this cutting-edge treatment.
Notably, 10 of these individuals were considered “epic” snorers, whose raucous nocturnal sounds had previously exiled their partners from the shared bed.
Impressively, after just three rounds of Yag laser therapy, six of these heavy snorers successfully reclaimed their co-sleeping arrangements.
Each participant underwent three 15-minute treatments, spaced two weeks apart. The study’s findings were promising: 68.4% of subjects stopped snoring entirely, while 31.6% showed a noticeable reduction.
To further assess the efficacy of this novel approach, a new trial is currently in progress at Portugal’s University Institute of Health Sciences, where researchers will conduct a placebo-controlled comparison.
Snoring isn’t always due to the soft tissue lacking firmness. For instance, sleep apnea results in the airways completely collapsing, often interrupting breathing during sleep.
Risk factors for sleep apnea include being overweight, sleeping on your back, alcohol consumption and smoking.
Lifestyle modifications can sometimes alleviate snoring, such as using mouthguards to prevent the tongue from obstructing the airway and causing vibrations.
The blend of light and warmth is thought to stimulate collagen-producing cells that help stiffen soft tissue and induce contraction.
The low-temperature Yag laser treatment was administered to 76 patients aged between 50 and 70 who snored but didn’t suffer from sleep apnea.
The procedure commences with the application of an anesthetic gel and a handheld device positioned inside the mouth until the tip is approximately 3cm away from the targeted tissue at the back of the throat.
