What Is Snoring and Why Does It Happen?
The harsh sound that happens when the airways are partially blocked, is termed as snoring. You tend to snore when the soft tissues in the throat, vibrate as you inhale and exhale. The main reason for snoring is obesity, nasal congestion, allergies, sleeping on your back and alcohol consumption and smoking. Any pressure or inflammation can lead to narrowing of the airways or partial collapse of the breathing pathways, and that causes snoring. Though occasional snoring is normal, if you snore loudly and regularly, you may be at risk of sleep apnea.
Health Risks Associated with Snoring
Though snoring seems harmless and is often ignored, you need to know that it is a sign of serious health issues such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, stroke or cardiovascular issues. Usually, regular snoring leads to sleep deprivation, poor focus, behavioral issues and daytime fatigue. That is why it is important to address snoring early on so that there are no long-term complications. Treatment of snoring helps you sleep better and improves health so consult with a sleep specialist so that the underlying issue is treated in time.
Almost everyone knows a person who snores or is one of those people who snore habitually. While snoring is known as one of the most common problems, there are many people whose lives have been disrupted by the same. Whether you are looking out to ensure that your partner stops snoring or if you are taking all measures to stop your snoring, this needs to be done for your heath as well.
What many don’t realize is that snoring has a lot of health side effects as well. Yes, snoring annoys you and the other person while you are sleeping but it can cause a lot of other major problem within your body, and you might not even know about it until it is too late. So before you look for tips to stop snoring, here are some of the ways in which snoring can affect your health negatively.
Sleep apnea
This is one of the most common problems that is associated with snoring, and it is quite serious. Thanks to your air passageways being blocked, it can be lead to you losing breath for ten seconds or more when you are sleeping. This is not a good thing at all and has to be dealt with as soon as possible.
Affects the brain
Since snoring is caused when the air passageways are congested, it means that you do not always get as much oxygen as you need. This means it can affect the brain as the cerebral fluid starts taking up the place that is left by the lack of oxygen. An increase in the cerebral fluid can lead to many problems such as memory loss and more.
Tiredness
If you are suffering from heavy snores, you might be unable to get a good night’s rest often. This means, you are always tired and sleepy and this can certainly affect the way your life works. A good night’s sleep is necessary for the body to be well-prepared for the next day and if you don’t get the same often, it means that it can lead to heavy complications for your system.
Blood pressure
As it was mentioned above, thanks to the windpipes being too tight, you will be unable to get the amount of oxygen you need in your system. This means that the oxygen levels in your blood becomes low and can lead to increased blood pressure and more strain on your heart. This is a very serious issue, not to be taken lightly at any cost.
Headaches
If you do not get a good night’s sleep, it can lead to a lot of problems such as headaches. It has been found that people who suffer from sleep apnea and common snoring problems have a tendency to wake up with throbbing heads up to four times when compared to the rest.
With so many health issues that come along with snoring, it is indeed time to look out for tips to stop snoring. It can help you effectively curb the same and save your body!
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Snoring
Though snoring seems harmless and is often ignored, you need to know that it is a sign of serious health issues such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, stroke or cardiovascular issues. Usually, regular snoring leads to sleep deprivation, poor focus, behavioral issues and daytime fatigue. That is why it is important to address snoring early on so that there are no long-term complications. Treatment of snoring helps you sleep better and improves health so consult with a sleep specialist so that the underlying issue is treated in time.
How to Stop Snoring and Sleep Better
To stop snoring and sleep better, it is essential to make lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake, sleeping on your side, and exercising to maintain healthy weight. It is essential to have a consistent sleep schedule. Use a humidifier to moist dry air, treat allergies and nasal congestion, use anti-snoring remedies to stop snoring. If snoring still persists, it could be a sign of sleep apnea which needs treatment.
Conclusion
Snoring is considered to be nuisance, but it is a sign of a health issue, such as sleep apnea. The sleep disorder, sleep apnea affects the blood oxygen levels and may lead to shortness of breath. Studies have shown that chronic snoring leads to poor quality of sleep, daytime fatigue and behavioral issues, heart issues and high blood pressure which increases the risk of stroke. Additionally, the snoring starts to affect your bedpartner, leading to relationship issues and lower quality of life.
FAQs
Sleep apnea related chronic snoring, reduces oxygen supply to the brain when you are asleep. Low oxygen supply leads to brain damage, cognitive decline and behavioral issues, stemming from sleep apnea.
Snoring is not always a sign of sleep apnea but can be due to allergies, wrong sleeping position, nasal congestion, or lifestyle habits. However, chronic and loud snoring indicates sleep apnea.
Yes, snoring is one of the underlying factors of sleep apnea. That puts you at risk of hypertension, cardiac issues, stroke and irregular heartbeat.
If you feel tired after a night’s sleep, chances are high that it is due to sleep disorders, poor sleep, stress and other health problems.
Yes, if snoring is ignored, it can lead to severe health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, sleep apnea and daytime fatigue.
Yes, children are equally at risk of developing health issues if they snore regularly. From poor sleep, low alertness, behavioral issues and learning disabilities to developing sleep apnea, snoring can have consequences.