Snoring is a common condition that affects many people at some point in their lives. From a minor inconvenience to a serious health risk, it can have a significant impact on one’s quality of life. One such treatment is NightLase® laser therapy, which delivers low-level light energy directly into the soft palate tissue, where it is most necessary for eliminating excess mucus buildup caused by allergies or other factors.
What Causes People To Snore?
People snore when the airflow through the mouth and nose is partially blocked during sleep. This can cause the tissues in the back of the throat to vibrate, producing the sound of snoring. Several factors can contribute to snoring, including:
- Anatomy of the mouth and throat: People with naturally narrow airways are more likely to snore. This includes those with a large tongue, tonsils, or uvula.
- Body weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the amount of fat in the neck, narrowing the airway and making it more likely to vibrate.
- Alcohol and sedatives: Alcohol and other sedatives loosen the muscles of the throat, increasing the likelihood that it will collapse and impede the airway.
- Age: As people age, the tissues in the mouth and throat can become flaccid and vibrate more quickly.
- Sleep position: The tongue and soft palate may collapse to the back of the throat when sleeping on the back, making snoring worse.
Treating the underlying causes of snoring can help reduce or eliminate the problem. A healthcare professional should be consulted to decide the best course of action if snoring becomes too frequent or problematic.
How Does NightLase Address Snoring?
NightLase therapy is a non-invasive laser treatment that uses low-level laser energy to tighten and tone the tissues in the throat. This helps to reduce the vibrations that cause snoring and improve the airway, leading to improved sleep quality and reduced snoring.
During the treatment, a small laser probe is placed in the mouth and directed at the tissues in the throat. The laser energy is delivered in short pulses, causing the tissues to heat up gently and stimulate collagen production. This results in the tissues becoming tighter and more toned, reducing the likelihood of collapse and partial airway blockage.
The treatment typically takes 30-45 minutes to perform and is usually performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home immediately following the procedure. The effects of NightLase therapy are long-lasting, with many patients reporting significant reductions in snoring and improved sleep quality for several months after the treatment.
What Advantages Does NightLase Therapy Offer?
Snoring and mild to severe sleep apnea can both be treated with NightLase therapy. The treatment involves using a laser to tighten the tissues in the throat, reducing the vibrations that cause snoring and improving the airway. Some of the benefits of NightLase therapy include the following:
- Non-invasive. NightLase therapy is performed without the need for surgery or incisions, making it a gentler and less invasive option for those looking for a solution to snoring or sleep apnea.
- Safe and Effective. The treatment improves sleep quality, lessens sleep apnea symptoms, and lessens snoring frequency and severity.
- Quick Recovery Time. NightLase therapy is a minimally invasive procedure typically only takes 30-45 minutes, and no downtime is required following the treatment.
- Long-lasting Results: The effects of NightLase therapy are long-lasting, with many patients reporting significant reductions in snoring and improvements in sleep quality that can last up to a year after the treatment.
- Comfortable Experience. NightLase therapy is performed using a laser designed to be gentle and comfortable for the patient. During or after treatment, the majority of patients report little to no discomfort.
What Are The Different NightLase Modes?
The modes on a NightLase laser device may vary depending on the specific device being utilized and the clinical needs of the patient, but often include the following:
- Snoring Reduction Mode. This mode is designed to tighten the tissues in the throat and reduce the vibrations that cause snoring.
- Sleep Apnea Reduction Mode. This mode is designed to improve the airway and reduce sleep apnea symptoms, such as frequent awakenings and pauses in breathing during sleep.
- Tissue Tightening Mode. This mode is designed to tighten and tone the tissues in the throat, improving the airway and reducing the likelihood of collapse and partial blockage.
Is NightLase A Safe Treatment For Snoring?
NightLase is generally considered to be a safe and effective treatment for snoring. The treatment uses low-level laser energy to tighten and tone the tissues in the throat, reducing the vibrations that cause snoring and improving the airway. The procedure is non-invasive and typically only takes 30-45 minutes, with most patients reporting little to no discomfort during or after the treatment.
NightLase therapy does, however, carry potential risks, just like any other medical procedure. Some patients may experience temporary discomfort or soreness in the throat following the treatment. In rare cases, there may be more serious side effects, such as infection or adverse reactions to the laser energy.
Moreover, it’s crucial to consult a medical expert to seek whether NightLase therapy is the best course of action before starting the treatment. The medical expert will be able to discuss the potential risks and advantages of the process to determine whether NightLase is the appropriate treatment for sleep apnea or snoring.
What Is The Recommended Number Of NightLase® Sessions?
The number of NightLase® sessions needed to treat snoring or mild to moderate sleep apnea effectively can vary from patient to patient. Over the course of two months, three different treatment sessions make up a complete course of NightLase. The procedure can be repeated, and it has been demonstrated to have lasting effects lasting up to a year.
The precise number of sessions required, however, might vary depending on various variables, including the severity of the snoring or sleep apnea, the underlying reason for the symptoms, and the patient’s general health and medical background.
Do You Need To Wear The NightLase Device At Night?
NightLase is not a device that needs to be worn at night and involves no chemical treatment. It is a non-invasive laser therapy performed in a clinical setting by a healthcare professional. The treatment uses a laser device to deliver low-level laser energy to the tissues in the throat, tightening and toning them to reduce the vibrations that cause snoring and improve the airway.
The treatment is usually performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home immediately following the procedure. After the treatment, patients do not need to wear any device or make any lifestyle changes to maintain the benefits of the therapy.
Final Thoughts
NightLase offers a convenient, non-invasive, and effective solution for those seeking to reduce snoring and improve their sleep quality. Belle Visage Medical Aesthetics offers NightLase® (Snoring Reduction), a patient-friendly laser treatment that increases the quality of sleep. Ultimately, NightLase® has a high success rate in producing a positive change in sleep patterns and snoring.