Guide To Understand Reasons Behind Snoring

Snoring can be a bit more than just bedtime nuisance especially for people who have to sleep with snorers. And for those who snore, it does not get any better either. If left untreated, it can develop into serious complications like Sleep Apnea. But before we can curb the problem, it is important to understand why do people snore.

More or less everyone snores once in a while. But if it’s a recurring occurrence then, not only is your health at risk but your relationships is also at stake. No one wants to sleep beside someone who snores and disturbs their sleep rhythm. The good news is snoring can be curbed if not completely cured. But before that, you need to know why do people snore.

Why People Snore?

Snoring is a condition when the uvula tissue placed at the back of the throat relaxes during sleep and causes an obstruction in the air movement. The vibration caused due to this leads to what we often refer to as the snoring sound. While the sound may be soft and harmless in some, for many others the sound is loud and irritating. Not only that, but it may also be a symptom of a person suffering from Sleep Apnea, a much more serious issue.

The Most Common Reasons For Snoring Are:

So snoring happens when the uvula tissue and other muscles in the throat relax or cause an obstruction. Let us look at some of the reasons why it may cause an obstruction.

• Aging-Related Issues:

  Snoring often develops or increases as we age. This is because as we age, the passage in the throat shrinks causing the obstruction of air a more likely issue. This is the reason people in the age of 40 and above are more likely to snore than young adults. However, lifestyle changes like breathing exercises can combat this aging-related issue. Moreover nasal sprays may come in handy too, to keep the muscles and tissues tight in the throat.

• Anatomy of Mouth:

  Some people with large tonsils especially children may also suffer from snoring. This can be easily treated by removing the tonsils.

• Weight-related issues:

  People who are overweight tend to snore more. This is because of the extra lining of tissues that builds up in the back of their throat. Add to that the abnormally elongated uvula tissue and the snoring problem is quite obvious. The best solution here is to reduce weight.

• Temporary Problems:

  If you are facing the issue of snoring temporarily it may be due to many reasons:
  a) Alcohol: Excess consumption of alcohol loosens up the muscles and may lead to snoring.
  b) Sinus or Congestion: Mucus in the mucous membrane may also cause a temporary obstruction causing snoring while sleeping.
  c) Sleep Pattern: If you have been too tired or sleep deprived, the muscles and tissues may relax excessively causing an obstruction in the air movement. Moreover, sleeping on your back may also lead to snoring as the gravity pulls the uvula tissue coming in the way of the air movement.

Now that you know why do people snore, it may be easier for you to find the solution. Consider using nasal sprays to tighten the nasal tissues and muscles so that it does not obstruct the air movement. If the condition is prolonged, consult a physician for a trusted advice.

How to Stop Snoring Naturally

If you are looking to stop snoring naturally, it is essential to lose weight as excess fat exerts pressure on the neck, narrowing your airways. Sleeping on the side, instead of the back or stomach, prevents tongue from falling into the throat. Use a pillow to elevate your head, enhancing airflow and ensure that the indoor room is moist by using a humidifier. Stay hydrated to reduce nasal congestion. Have a sleep schedule to ensure you are rested.

Top Causes of Snoring You Shouldn’t Ignore

Snoring is an indication of underlying health issues. Some of the basic reasons you snore include alcohol consumption, obesity, nasal congestion, poor sleeping position and even sleep apnea. Oftentimes, deviated septum or enlarged tonsils maybe a reason for the snoring. Ignoring your snoring may lead to cardiovascular issues, fatigue and disrupted sleep patterns. Additionally, if snoring is worse, it is best to get evaluated by a sleep specialist to know if you are suffering with sleep apnea.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Snoring?

If ignored, long-term snoring can lead to a multitude of ailments such as sleep apnea which in turn puts you at high risk of heart disease, stroke and hypertension. Chronic sleep deprivation leads to memory issues, daytime fatigue, mood disorders, depression and behavioral issues, which creates issues in relationships. If snoring is ignored, issues can worsen, impacting your life further, creating health issues that require medical evaluation.

Can Anti-Snoring Sprays and Devices Really Help?.

It is true that some anti-snoring sprays and devices can reduce snoring and bring relief, but it depends upon the underlying cause. Anti-snoring sprays can reduce vibrations of the throat tissue by tightening them, while oral devices – mouth guards, nasal dilators and CPAP machines help keep the air passages open. These devices help those with nasal-based, mild snoring issues. People with heavy snoring maybe suffering with sleep apnea which requires special evaluation by a sleep specialist.

When to See a Doctor for Snoring

Although occasional snoring can be dismissed as a nuisance, it is important to see a doctor if you have been snoring loudly, frequently or it disturbs the sleep of your bed partner. Snoring with pauses in breathing, gasping awake or choking when asleep is an indicator of sleep apnea. Additionally, if you wake up with a headache, have poor concentration, sleep deprivation, daytime fatigue, it might be important to get a proper diagnosis on the sleep disorder.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it can be seen that snoring is due to partial obstruction in the throat and nasal passages. These occur due to nasal congestion, obesity, anatomical anomalies, sleeping position and lifestyle choice. Quitting smoking and alcohol consumption helps as it aggravates snoring. To address snoring, diagnosis the real cause is important for effective treatment.