Snoring: For some, snoring may just be another noisy annoyance during sleep and harmless. However, the truth is far away from the reality. Snoring is not new to the world but it could point toward a more serious health issue known as sleep apnea when it becomes a regular habit.
Snoring-Harmful Effects
Sleep apnea, which can be caused by regular snoring, can seriously affect an individual’s heart rhythm, oxygen levels and brain function over time.
What Really Causes Snoring?
Snoring happens when air is unable to freely move via your throat and noise while you are sleeping. This results in the vibration of surrounding tissues, creating that familiar rumbling sound.
Snoring can happen due to many reasons such as:
- Nasal congestion or sinus infections that block airflow.
- Obesity or excess body weight, which increases tissue around the throat.
- Sleeping position, especially lying on the back, which causes the tongue to fall backward.
- Alcohol or sedatives that relax throat muscles too much.
- Poor muscle tone in the throat and tongue, often linked to aging.
- Anatomical issues like a deviated septum, enlarged tonsils, or long uvula.
Snoring can happen to anyone irrespective of their age or gender, but it tends to get worse with age and weight gain.
How to Treat Sleep Apnea or Snoring?
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Sleep on your side instead of your back.
- Avoid alcohol and sedatives before bedtime.
- Treat nasal congestion or allergies with sprays or antihistamines.
- Stay hydrated to keep throat tissues moist.
- Use oral appliances or CPAP devices (for diagnosed sleep apnea).
The best way to know the level of your sleep apnea or snoring is a sleep study, which is known as Polysomnography. This overnight test is beneficial to monitor oxygen levels, heart activity, sleep quality and breathing patterns using non-invasive sensors.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is not a substitute for a qualified medical opinion in any way. The methods and claims mentioned in this article should be considered as suggestions only; DNP India neither confirms nor denies them. Always consult a doctor before following any such suggestions/treatments/medications/diets.
