Snoring: A Persistant Problem

One of the major health problems for millions of people is snoring.You will most probably find that whether it’s you or your partner that is snoring both of you will be being disturbed at night time!

So what precisely is snoring? It is anything from a gentle 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 be present the entire time a person sleeps or only in a certain position such as lying on their back.

While snoring is a very general health problem the most severe condition associated with snoring is sleep aponea.   Noisy, constant snoring is often one of the first signs of this condition.  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 happen anywhere from 30 to 300 times a night and each time it can last up to   ten seconds or longer.Sleep aponea may also result in other heath issues.  Studies show that during obstructive sleep aponea the oxygen levels in the blood drop  causing stress on the heart which can lead to further problems like a stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes and eye disease.   Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most common way to deal with sleep aponea.  This is a device that helps to keep the airway open during sleep,  however surgery is also another option to think about.

Causes of snoring

If you snore regularly you are probably not getting the best nights sleep possible.It is advisable to find the cause of your snoring to enable you to find a solution to stop it.  Causes of snoring are many and varied but let’s start with a few of the more simple ones that are easier to remedy.

·         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 because they cause a narrowing of the passages preventing a free flow of air.  Anything from the common cold or flu to allergies or sinusitis can cause problems.

Ways to Stop Snoring

If you are looking for a way to stop snoring you are not alone!  Countless others are always looking for solutions 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.Another thing that can be very beneficial is to make sure you have clear nasal passages before going to bed.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.

 

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