Snoring: Facts and Information

One of the considerable health issues for millions of people is snoring. Whether it’s yourself snoring or your partner, you will probably find that neither of you are getting a good night s sleep as a result of it!

So what exactly is snoring? It is anything from a moderate noise to a loud unpleasant sound resulting from the soft tissues in the back of the throat vibrating, as your lungs work to draw air through narrowed airways. Snoring may occur the entire time a person is asleep or just in a certain position, for example, when they only lie on their back.

While snoring is a very general health problem the most severe condition associated with snoring is sleep aponea.Loud, persistant snoring is usually one of the first signs of this disorder. When a person’s muscles in their throat relax too much closing off the airway while they are sleeping, they will awake, gasping for air.This can occur from 30 to 300 times during the night and each incident can last up to ten seconds or more.Sleep aponea may also result in other heath issues. Studies show that during obstructive sleep aponea the oxygen levels in the blood drop causing strain on the heart which can lead to further problems like a stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes and eye disease.Continous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most widespread way to treat sleep aponea. This is a device that helps to keep the airway open while sleep, however surgery is also another option to consider.

Causes of snoring

If you snore regularly you are more than likely not getting the best nights sleep possible. It is a good idea to examine your cause for snoring so you have a better chance of stopping it. Causes of snoring are many and varied but let’s start with a few of the more simple ones that are easier to rectify.

· High alcohol consumption, especially before bed

· Smoking

· Obesity

· Sleeping on your back

Some causes of snoring are structural like a narrow jaw, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, small passages or a crooked septum.Nasal problems can also result in snoring as they cause the passages to narrow, thus preventing a free flow of air.Anything from a cold or the flu to sinusitis and allergies may result in snoring.

Ways to Stop Snoring

If you are looking for a way to stop snoring you are not alone!Thousands of others are always searching for ways to help their snoring problem. Start with a healthier lifestyle – quit smoking, lose weight, limit your alcohol intake.These things on their own may be the answer to your difficulty. One of the most obvious ways to stop snoring is to avoid sleeping on your back. Having clear nasal passages when you go to bed can also be very helpful.There are many products on the market which include mouth guards, nasal strips, throat sprays and pillows. Surgery is also an option but the success of these solutions may be dependant on your reason for snoring so make an appointment to see your doctor first.