WHAT IS SNORING?

Snoring is one symptom from a group of disorders called sleep disordered breathing. It happens once the soft palate, uvula, tongue, tonsils, and/or muscles in the back of the throut (pharynx) rub against each other and render an oscillating sound during rest. Twenty percent of all adults are confirmed snorers, and forty-five percent of average adults occasionally snore. As people mature, their risk of snoring increases. About one-half of individuals who are over sixty snore on a regular basis.

In some situations, snoring is a symptom of a more dangerous disorder known as obstructed sleep apnea (OSA). OSA happens once a portion of the air passage is blocked off (commonly at the back of the pharynx). Although the individual is trying to breathe during sleep, respiration can break off for more than ten seconds prior to resuming over again. These dyspneal episodes can take place as many as 100 times a night.

People with OSA tend to consitently snore to a great extent, because the air constriction inside the throat passage that induces snoring often induces Sleep Apnea. Snoring also explicitly attributes to OSA since the oscillation of the pharynx tissues which takes place in snoring can cause the tissue to swell.

Snoring is linked with physical troubles as well as social strain. People who don't experience obstructed sleep apnea may be seen as possessing socially unacceptable snoring (SUS), which pertains to snoring that is audible enough to keep the sleeper's bed partner or roommate from sleeping. Socially unacceptable snoring is an agent in the collapse of some marriages and some other long-term relationships. Furthermore, a study issued in 2002 shows that people who snore are at an increased chance of acquiring type 2-diabetes. Snoring seems to be a standalone risk, free of body weight and/or a family history of diabetes.

WHY SNORING IS A PROBLEM

People who are habitual snorers can be in danger of having more life-threatening health problems. They should be examined to eliminate other problems like sleep apnea, and other forms of sleep-related breathing problems. When a person who snores sleeps and breathes in a normal way, snoring may only become a problem for the partner or any members of the family who share the same bed or room with the snorer. As a matter of fact, snoring often interrupts the resting time of others more than it ever affects the snorer. Often, those who sleep with snorers report walking out and leaving the bedroom several nights each week. Snoring may not be a medical issue, yet it can become an important social problem for those who snore and also a sleep problem for those who sleep with them.

Obstructive sleep apnea is an illness that is frequently linked with chronic snoring. This condition produces other problems such as:

  • Long gaps in breathing usually created by partial or complete obstruction or occlusion of the air passage. Severe cases can have absolute obstruction episodes of approximately hundred times per night.
  • Regular waking from sleep
  • People who snore and have obstructive sleep apnea, often sleep gently to try to put strain in their tongue muscles in order to maintain the flow of air.
  • Decreased blood oxygen level causing the heart to pump more and the blood pressure to rise. The outcome is a poor night’s sleep leading to dizziness during day time and can hinder the person’s quality of life. Extended suffering from obstructed sleep apnea will lead to hypertension and may stimulate heart expansion leading to increased risks of cardiac arrest and stroke.
  • The tension of not being able to receive enough oxygen results to increased production of adrenalin which is a form of chemical that aids our bodies in fighting off and coping with nerve-wracking situations. Adrenalin also results to increase in blood sugar level which consequently may lead to diabetes.

OVERVIEW: WAYS TO PREVENT SNORING

 These are some proven reccommended ways on how to prevent snoring, these will be explained more explicitly throughout other articles on the site.

1.      Change your lifestyle by changing your diet and exercise routine.

One of the primary causes of snoring is excess body weight. Severe snoring occurs when a person exceeds by 10 to 15 pounds of his or her body weight. Snoring problem worsens the heavier the person becomes. Clinical experts and health professionals suggest shedding off at least 10 percent of the body weight so that snoring may be prevented. It is best to achieve the ideal body weight and mass in relation to your height. Moreover, being obese or overweight enhances the possibility of occurrence of sleep disturbances such as insomnia or sleep apnea.

2. When sleeping, lie on your side.

Lying on your side during sleep can prevent snoring, while sleeping on your back may lead to worsening of snoring problems because gravity acts as a further obstacle for natural breathing. Gravity will  cause  your tongue and soft palate to push into your air tract, thereby preventing airflow. This problem is exacerbated among people who are obese or overweight. Sleeping on your side can ensure a better sleep. You can do this by placing a tennis ball beneath the small of your back. The presence of tennis ball will create discomfort which can then lead you to roll on your side. The best technique in order to make sure that the tennis ball stays in place is to put on pajamas or a t-shirt onto which you attach a pocket to get hold of the ball.

3. Make use of medication or medical gadgets.

The current medications that are being prescribed for snoring are normally those that ensure proper breathing. However, some of these medications may bring side effects such as headaches and nose bleeds. Other medications may cause nausea and drowsiness especially when taken during the day. Furthermore, there are dental apparatuses that can push your jaw and tongue forward while pulling up the soft palate. These can create a lot of discomfort yet they are some of the known non-invasive methods of treating snoring. One last radical remedy would be CPAP or the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device which necessitates the use of a mask all throughout sleeping time. This may also cause discomfort. Despite this, it is considered as one of the most effective techniques to cure extreme snoring conditions.