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Snoring - causes, treatment, surgery   Snoring is the sound made by air passing through narrowed airways, that causes parts of the throat or nose to vibrate.  Surgery and non-surgical treatments and remedies aim reduce or remove airway obstructions.   Approximately 50% of all adults will snore occasionally and approximately 25% of all adults will be habitual snorers.  Snoring is most common in men and the severity of the snoring tends to worsen with age. General information When we breathe, air travels into the mouth and/or nostrils, down the throat and into the lungs via the windpipe (trachea). On the way, the air passes several structures including the tongue, soft palate, uvula (the small appendage visible at the back of the throat) and the tonsils.  Normally the muscles in the throat are firm but when we sleep they relax. In some people they relax to such a degree that the structures they support collapse and partially block the airway. ...

Insomnia - causes, symptoms, treatment Insomnia is a sleeping disorder characterised by poor quality or quantity of sleep. Reduced ability to perform daytime activities is the defining symptom of insomnia. Treatment involves medical and non-medical therapies.  General information Insomnia is a sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep and/or stay asleep despite adequate opportunity and time to sleep. Insomnia is very common. It affects people of all ages, including children, but is more common in adults and the elderly. In a recent study of sleep habits among New Zealanders, 45% of participants reported experiencing insomnia symptoms at least once per week.  Causes Temporary insomnia Many cases of insomnia are due to temporary issues or stresses, including the following: jet lag physical discomfort working different shifts (working a late or early shift can disrupt your circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock) stressful life situations, such as...