PRESS RELEASE: Snorerstake note: State-of-the-art medical laser provides a ‘Silent Night’, every night
It’s a fact of life: just about everyone snores at some time or another.
According to Government statistics, around 20 per cent of the population snores. Snoring isn’t physically harmful, but it can lead to daytime feelings of chronic lethargy and exhaustion if sleep is continually compromised. It’s also highly irritating to anyone in the near vicinity.
More men snore than women, with around one quarter of males prone to the condition (slightly less for women). An economic report commissioned by the Sleep Health Foundation reveals sleep disorders cost the Australian economy more than $5.1 billion a year in health care and indirect costs. In addition, the reduction in life quality caused by sleep disorders has a further cost equivalent of $31.4 billion a year.
Now, thanks to the innovations of highly specialised medical laser technology, there’s a new, clinically proven, safe and non-intrusive laser snoring procedure available that is quick, virtually painless and requires no down time or change to lifestyle. It also offers immediate results.
According to Doctor Mike Shenouda, from Snoring Laser Clinics in Drummoyne, Sydney, the new NIGHTLASE laser therapy is proving increasingly popular.
Doctor Shenouda said that the laser, whose technical description is ‘laser uvulopalatopharyngoplasty’, was the best option that had been introduced to date to tackle normal snoring issues.
“When we sleep, the muscles of the soft palate and uvula located at the back of the throat relax and then vibrate as we breathe in and out, whether through the nose or the open mouth. This vibrating tissue is what creates the snoring sound,” said Dr Shenouda.
“Snoring can be brought on by a bad sleeping posture, being overweight, drinking alcohol, a cold, sinusitis or a nasal allergy, excessively dry or humid air in the bedroom, amongst other factors.”
“Obviously, lifestyle changes are the best first step, and one’s GP could examine you for possible underlying conditions, such as sinusitis or tonsil problems,” said Dr Shenouda.
“Beyond that, there are options such as wearing a special moulded plastic device in the mouth to keep the airway open. These work for some, but others find it extremely uncomfortable.”.
“Another alternative, CPAP (or constant pressure air pump’) machine, is effective, but can takes a lot of getting used to – the unit is cumbersome. An overnight hospital stay is usually required to confirm the condition and calibrate the machine to the optimal individual setting.”
In my clinic, I find most of my NIGHTLASE laser surgery patients have tried and given up on using the above options due to discomfort.
“Surgery to reshape the soft palate is another option, but the idea of cutting soft palate tissue is not attractive to many. In comparison, laser treatment is precise, easy and non-invasive. Initially, three visits to the clinic are required – each lasting no longer than 30 minutes.”
NIGHTLASE involves a fully trained medical laser specialist applying a small, hand-held laser unit to the target area, in the soft palate at the back of the throat, and applying several seconds burst of a laser beam. This is enough to trigger the creation of new collagen in the pallet and throat, creating a firmer and larger structure and much less likely to vibrate.
“Our patients find NIGHTLASE laser to be much more tenable,” said Dr Shenouda, who notes that sometimes it’s the snorer’s partner who benefits most.
“While snoring usually poses little direct threat to the snorer’s health, persistent heavy snoring can put an intolerable strain on a relationship. Snoring hardly makes for a happy bedroom”. Very often a snorer will seek our help due to pressure from a desperate partner, said Doctor Shenouda.
“I especially like my work at Christmas. In my clinic, we never get bored of promising our patients a ‘silent night’ – every night!”, said Doctor Shenouda
Three laser treatments within the first 6 weeks and a top up treatment of one laser session every nine months is required to maintain the lift and openness at back of the throat.
Usually, snoring isn’t a health problem However, it may be a symptom of something more significant – particularly obstructive sleep apnoea which should certainly be followed up with your doctor or a sleep clinic.
Results are monitored through the Snore App, done at home so no need for sleep clinics.
Released by Géniale Clinic – 137 Victoria Rd., Drummoyne NSW 2047
For further information contact: Kylie Beaufoy Tel: 0410112205
