Snoring is unfortunately a common occurrence. For most people, snoring isn’t cause for concern. For some, it may reflect a serious underlying problem that may need attention. So what is snoring? What causes it? How can it be prevented?
What Is Snoring?
Snoring is the hoarse or harsh sound that occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in the throat. The tissues vibrate, which is where the sound comes from. Most people snore to some degree or at some point in their lives. When it becomes chronic and disruptive, either to yourself or your partner, is when you should be concerned and seek the help of a medical professional who can make a proper diagnosis.
Symptoms and Risk Factors of Snoring
Snoring often goes hand in hand with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which causes breathing interruptions during sleep. Symptoms to look out for include breathing pauses during sleep (witnessed by someone else of course), daytime sleepiness, headaches in the morning, and high blood pressure.
If you snore, just remember that some factors can’t be controlled, such as the shape of your mouth and sinuses (men also snore more than women). But plenty of other factors can still be dealt with, including alcohol consumption, nasal congestion, sleep deprivation, and your sleep position.
How Do I Treat or Prevent Snoring?
How to treat snoring depends a lot on how severe you snore and what the underlying causes of the snoring are. The first thing to do is to make straightforward lifestyle modifications. Avoid drinking any alcohol before bedtime. If you sleep on your back, try sleeping on your side. If you are overweight, look for ways to shed some pounds (snoring is more common in overweight individuals).
Sometimes even nasal strips and special mouthguards and pillows can help. In more serious cases, a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine may need to be used to prevent air passages from narrowing or collapsing. A competent medical professional can help you in determining if a CPAP machine would be helpful for you.
Seek Help for Snoring
Certainly a lot of people snore. And most of the time, it’s not a big deal. But don’t simply assume that this is the case for you. Understand the potential risks, and don’t be afraid to seek professional medical help. At the very least, you’ll improve your sleep quality, and you may even prevent a serious health problem from getting worse.
Namaste
