What is Snoring?

Noisy breathing during sleep is referred to as Snoring. It occurs when you are unable to move air freely through your nose and throat at during sleep. Snoring often occurs while breathing in, and can come through the nose, mouth or a combination of the two. Snoring results when the flow of air you breathe makes the tissues in the back of your throat vibrate in response to that. Snoring can be a symptom of sleep apnea.

Source- Snoring Canada

Those who snore often are found to have too much throat and nasal tissue or “floppy” tissue as it is called which is more prone to vibrate. The position of your tongue can also cause obstruction in the way of smooth breathing.

A Recent study shows that 33% of Indians snore and up to 14% snore as loud as they talk or sometimes even louder. It is more common among men than women. (In women chances are higher after menopause)

Other than the commonly known issues of Snoring, Snoring could be indicative of Narrowing of airway in neck. In some people, Snoring could also lead to mental agitation and crankiness during the day.

Snoring during sleep may be a sign, or warning or an indication of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Common causes of snoring :

Age – Your throat becomes narrower with increasing age especially after mid age, and the muscle tone in your throat decreases. Throat exercises, new bedtime routines can all help to prevent snoring as you cannot do anything about your growing age.

Being overweight or out of shape – Excess weight around your neck or throat can be the cause of snoring. Even if you are not overweight or bulky in appearance. Losing that excess weight can help with reduced snoring bouts.

Physical Makeup –  Men have narrower air passages than women and are more likely to snore. It should be noted that the presence of enlarged adenoids, cleft palate, narrow throat and other physical attributes that contribute to snoring which are often hereditary.

Nasal and sinus problems – Inhalation becomes difficult if airways are blocked, a stuffy nose creates a vacuum in the throat, which ultimately leads to snoring.

Alcohol, smoking, and medications – Tranquilizers such as lorazepam (Ativan) and diazepam (Valium), can increase muscle relaxation leading to more snoring. Alcohol intake, smoking also contributes to snoring.

Sleep posture – If you have a tendency to sleeping lying flat on your back, it can cause the flesh of your throat to relax and block the airway which causes snoring. It is recommended to change your sleep position.

Symptoms :

Sometimes snoring can not only be annoying to you as well as those around you, but it also can indicate an underlying health problem. You should be reaching out to the doctor if you notice any of these symptoms-

1. You are a constant snorer, and you snore in any position while sleeping.

2. You have morning headaches and feel excessively sleepy throughout the day. Even after full sleep.

3. Your snore is very loud, and you pause in between your breathing and make gasping noises in sleep which indicates obstruction in airways.

All these symptoms could be a warning sign of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Source : Health Normal

Sleep Apnea – Why you are at risk?

Sleep apnea – A Potential Sleep disorder, which causes involuntary pauses in breathing during sleep. Affecting millions of people throughout the world, caused due to either a blockage in the airway or when the brain does not signal for breathing.

These blockages can last from a few seconds to few minutes and can occur for approximately 30 times in one hour. Therefore if left untreated, sleep apnea can be a potentially dangerous disorder.

Source- Health Navigator

Sleep Apnea Types:

 1. Obstructive sleep apnea,occurs when throat muscles relax. It is the most common form that obstructs sleep.

 2. Central sleep apnea,occurs when your brain does not send proper signals to the muscles that are responsible for controlled breathing.

 3. Complex sleep apnea syndrome,occurs when someone has both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. It is also known as treatment- emergent central sleep apnea

Complications which may arise due to untreated Sleep Apnea – 

1. Stroke
2. High blood pressure
3. Heart attacks and Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats)
4. Diabetes
5. Obesity
6. Poor quality of sleep
7. Daytime fatigue and drowsiness
8. Lower your blood oxygen level, thereby triggering stress hormones.

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It will help spread the awareness and ensure better health for everyone.

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