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Snoring is definitely unpleasant, especially for those who are trying to sleep next to a person who snores.
However, it can also be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, which is a potentially serious condition that causes repeated pauses in breathing during the night.
“Snoring and apnea often go hand in hand,” says otolaryngologist Dr. Tony Reisman, M.D.
Dr. Reisman explains why it is important to find a solution to snoring and how to address this problem so that everyone can rest peacefully.
What causes snoring
Anyone can snore – men, women, and children.
“Snoring is fairly common in children,” says Dr. Reisman. However, it occurs more often in men and people who are overweight. And it often worsens with increasing age.
Snoring occurs when breathing is obstructed during sleep. When air tries to pass through soft tissues, they vibrate and produce the characteristic sound of snoring.
Some people are born with a structural problem that causes snoring during sleep. Usually, however, snoring is caused by an underlying factor such as:
- Obesity/overweight
- structural nasal problems, for example a deviated nasal septum.
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoid growths
- Chronic congestion and blockage
- Snoring and sleep apnea
Snoring itself is not harmful. However, it can be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. This sleep disorder causes you to stop breathing for several seconds every night, repeatedly.
If you suffer from sleep apnea, you will likely wake up during the night and feel tired. During the day you may feel sleepy and find it difficult to concentrate at work or school. Some people experience sudden daytime sleepiness, which increases the risk of a car accident or workplace injury.
For people with sleep apnea, snoring is a health problem. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems, including:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Heart problems, including heart failure and heart attack
What you can do against snoring
There are several ways to treat snoring depending on its causes. Here are some home remedies that can help you naturally stop snoring.
1. Healthy body weight
“Being overweight is one of the main causes of snoring in both children and adults,” says Dr. Reisman. During sleep, fatty tissue in the neck can block the airways when the neck muscles relax. Losing weight can reduce this pressure.
2. Buxoma or chronic rhinitis
For people with chronic nasal blockage, medications such as antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays can help make breathing easier and reduce snoring.
3. Sleep position
Try raising the mattress on the bed where your head rests. Lying on your side instead of your back can also lead to less snoring.
4. Open the nasal passage
Opening the nostrils at night can help reduce snoring. Adhesive nasal strips that are placed on the bridge of the nose and keep the nostrils open improve airflow. Another option is nasal dilators that are inserted into the nostrils and widen the nasal opening. Strips and dilators are inexpensive solutions and can be easily found at the pharmacy.
5. Quit smoking
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. In addition to lowering blood pressure and increasing energy levels, it can also help reduce snoring. Why? Because it improves nasal congestion, which has a significant impact on your snoring.
6. Limit or give up alcohol
Generally, not drinking before bedtime is a good idea for sleep quality. It is especially useful for snoring. Alcohol can cause relaxation of the airway muscles during sleep, so avoid it for several hours before going to bed.
Source: Iatropedia.gr
