There are a number of reasons one snores. Find out why you or your partner maybe snoring. It could be life altering.
What is snoring?
Snoring is a sound which is made when you sleep, as air can’t pass freely through your nose and throat. This makes the surrounding floppy tissue vibrate and produce the sound. Sometimes the position of the tongue may also cause this snoring sound.
There are a number of reasons one might snore and it will not be wrong to say that at some point in your life you would have or will snore. In most cases, snoring does not pose a problem. It causes irritability, non-refreshing sleep or daytime fatigue.
However, there are some conditions associated with snoring which may cause serious effects on your health. Find out why you or your partner maybe snoring.
1. Increasing age: As you age, your throat becomes narrower, and the muscle tone in your throat decreases. Lifestyle modifications and throat exercises can help prevent snoring.
2. Weight gain: Excess weight just around your neck or throat can cause snoring. Fatty tissue and poor muscle tone contribute to snoring. Exercise and weight loss will aid with snoring.
3. Sleep posture: Sleeping flat on your back the throat tissue to relax and block the airway. Changing your sleep position from supine to on your side can help.
4. Nasal and sinus problems: Nasal allergies, nasal polyps, sinusitis can lead to snoring. If you suffer from persistent nasal symptoms it is a good idea to get yourself checked and treated for the same. You might require oral and nasal medications for the same.
5. Throat problems: A number of oral conditions like enlarged adenoids and tonsils can lead to narrowing of airways and thus produce the snoring. This is especially true for children. Get a thorough physical examination by a doctor for the same. This can be easily treated.
6. Alcohol, smoking, and medications: Alcohol intake, smoking, and certain medications, such as sedatives can increase muscle relaxation leading to more snoring. Although prescription medications maybe required by you for the treatment of your underlying condition, consult your physician to know if these can be modified.
7. Sleep apnea: One of the most common medical condition associated with snoring is obstructive sleep apnea. There is cessation of breathing which occurs when your throat muscles intermittently relax and block your airway during sleep. This can cause high blood pressure, metabolic syndromes and cardiac complications. If your snoring is gradually worsening or associated with other symptoms such as excessive day time sleepiness, tiredness, observed apnea you should get yourself checked for obstructive sleep apnea.
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