Also: More HealthSmart

Stop snoring

A simple procedure helps.

Surveys consistently find that most people snore. Snoring occurs when the soft palate (the portion of the roof of the mouth that extends toward the back of the throat) vibrates as air is drawn in during a breath. When we go to sleep, the muscles of the tongue, mouth and throat relax. In many people, the relaxation allows the structures of the soft palate to "flap in the breeze," causing snoring.

While quite common, snoring can be associated with underlying medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, so it's a good idea to talk with your doctor about your snoring. And there are simple things to try to ease your snoring, including losing weight if you are overweight, limiting alcohol intake and controlling allergies.

There are other treatment alternatives available, including a relatively new one called the pillar procedure. This is an office-based treatment performed by some ear, nose and throat doctors. The procedure is simple and begins to help quickly. Here's how it works: Three short polyester inserts (less than an inch long) are permanently inserted into the soft palate side by side, creating "pillars." This makes the palate less likely to vibrate and decreases snoring. The procedure causes minimal discomfort, and patients see benefits in a few weeks.

Contributing Editor Tedd Mitchell, M.D., president of Dallas' Cooper Clinic, writes HealthSmart every week.