Somnoplasty

Somnoplasty is a brand name of a surgical procedure intended for people with chronic and problem snoring. You might think it odd that a type of surgery has a brand name, but Lasik has been doing this for years (Lasik is a trademark for a type of radial keratotomy). The trademark Somnoplasty is owned by Somnus Medical Technologies, Inc which is owned by Gyrus Group PLC.

The FDA approved this procedure about a decade ago. The agency formally approves the procedure for to three conditions: habitual snoring, chronic nasal obstruction, and obstructive sleep apnea. This is an out-patient procedure.

The process uses radiofrequency ablation, which is a technique used in other forms of surgery, including treatment of cancerous tumors and blockages in the circulatory system. The webpage
http://www.putanendtosnoring.com/surgery.htm talks more about it.

Resources

Avoiding Drowsy Driving

Countermeasures

Responsibility and the Drowsy Driver

Signs of Drowsiness when Driving

How Well Are You Sleeping? - FDA Consumer Article

Circadian gene helps brain predict mealtime

Sleep less, live longer? - Increased Death Rate Associated
With Sleeping 8 Hours or More

Circadan Rythyms

"And miles to go before I sleep"

(Robert Frost, Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening)