What Causes Snoring?
Snoring is a highly common problem that afflicts many Americans. It is estimated that 90 million adults snore in the United States. As many partners will readily attest, snoring isn’t something that just impacts the individual: it also frequently interferes with partners’ ability to get a good night’s sleep. And it can actually signal a serious sleep disorder, which studies have shown can result in sudden death and increased risks of heart attacks.
Fixing your snoring problem can do more than just ensure you sleep well at night: it could help prolong your life. Let’s go through some of the common causes of snoring, and some health tips to fix the problem.
Snoring is most frequently associated with obstructive sleep apnea. The single most common sleep-related breathing disorder, OSA is characterized by the problem that leads to snoring: partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway while asleep. However, the kind of snoring that occurs in connection with OSA is unique: it’s intermittent, broken up by gaps of silence followed by loud gasps (when the person suffering from OSA goes without breathing for too long, he or she will start gasping for air).
Aside from loud snoring, one key symptom of sleep apnea is excessive sleepiness and fatigue during the day. Due to the sleep disruption that OSA causes, adults or even adolescents suffering from OSA may fall asleep for very brief periods if they stop to sit or rest. In extreme cases, they may even fall asleep briefly during conversations.
The side effects can be serious! OSA is associated with a range of issues, including:
- Reduced concentration and memory loss
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Reduced executive function
- Frequent mood swings and increased irritability
- Reduced libido
What Contributes to Sleep Apnea?
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Weight gain
Increased fat deposits in the face and neck can increase pressure on the upper airway, restricting your breathing. -
Smoking
Smoking can increase inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway. This can constrict breathing, contributing to the risk of developing OSA. -
Use of alcohol or sedatives
Having a drink or using a tranquilizer, especially before bedtime, relax the muscles in your throat more than usual, which can increase the severity of OSA. -
Neck circumference
Having a higher neck circumference may mean your airway is naturally constricted, which can make you more susceptible to developing OSA. -
Being a middle-aged male
OSA is much more common in older adults, and men are two to three times more likely than women to suffer from the condition.
Contact Us Today
If you’re suffering from chronic sleep apnea, contact us today to find out how we can help.