Almost everyone snores from time to time, but when snoring becomes disruptive, seriously interfering with a person's ability to get a good nights sleep, then something needs to be done about it. In this interesting and informative article you will learn what causes snoring and what can done about it.
Lying awake while someone else snores the night away can be one of the most frustrating things for the sleepless listener.
The truth is that almost everyone snores from time to time, though this kind of snoring usually goes unnoticed - especially by the person doing the snoring, who is usually sleeping at the time. This type of minor snoring is something that can affect anyone and at any age.
Snoring, though is something that is more common in men and also in women going through the menopause. Muscle tone tends to decrease with age, and so it tends to increase.
It's when snoring becomes disruptive, interfering with the sleep of the snorer or of someone near to them then something needs to be done about it.
Snoring, of course, only happens when we are asleep and there is a good reason for this. When we are awake then the airways are kept open by the muscles in the throat, nose and mouth. But when we are asleep then these muscles automatically relax, causing the airways to sometimes close, making it difficult for air to get in or out. As this happens, the tissue at the rear of the tongue starts to vibrate and the snoring sound is the result.
In and of itself, however, snoring is not harmful -- though it can be immensely annoying for the person forced to lie awake and listen. However, really loud, chronic snoring may be a symptom of something called sleep apnea. This particular condition causes the person to actually stop breathing during sleep, interrupting natural patterns of sleep. Sleep apnea usually causes feelings of sleepiness and drowsiness during the day, and is often combined with feelings of tiredness and general exhaustion. Needless to say, this tiredness can easily interfere with concentration and may even prove to be dangerous if the person is driving or operating machinery.
For this reason, if you or someone you care about snores loudly and awakens feeling tired, then it's wise to visit a doctor in order to check for sleep apnea.
Snoring may be more likely if you are overweight, drink alcohol before retiring, or smoke.
Sleeping position can also make a person more prone to snore. Lying on the back, the tongue is prone to slip back into the throat, obstructing the airway and causing the snoring. To a degree, sleeping on the side with the head raised can counteract this.
A simple blocked nose, individual anatomy, or hormonal fluctuations may also be factors responsible for snoring. A constantly blocked nose, enlarged tonsils or uvula (the projection of soft tissue at the back of the palate), or problems with the thyroid can all be reasons for snoring.
All good reasons to consult with your doctor or medical advisor if you have been snoring really loudly for quite some time. If a blocked nose is the problem then a nasal douche or spray may be prescribed to help with the congestion. If the thyroid is to blame then hormone replacement therapy may be recommended. In certain cases, surgery may be advised in order to alter the soft palate itself.
An easier way to deal with snoring is to use an oral shield that actually blocks the mouth, forcing the snorer to breathe through their nose. Nasal dilators are also available which open up the nostrils making breathing easier. These are best used in conjunction with a mouthpiece that helps the jaw to move forward while the person sleeps. Additionally, adhesive strips that prevent the mouth from falling open in sleep have helped some people to better manage their snoring.
It has been said that snoring is more an affliction of the person listening to the snoring than it is of the person actually snoring. For this reason, the partner of a person who snores may find help by visiting an experienced hypnotherapist who can teach them to tune out the disruptive noises and get a good night's sleep regardless. After all, few things are worse than lying awake, suffering from insomnia while someone is snoring away.
If snoring is disturbing your sleep, or that of someone you care about, action can be taken. Take action, address the problem, and the chances of a good night's sleep will be increased -- for everyone concerned!. More that this, your partner will certainly thank you for it.
DISCLAIMER: This article is provided for general information purposes only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional.
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