If it’s a soft rumble or a more raucous sound Snoring can be disruptive, not just for your roommates and sleeping partners but also for snorers.
The phenomenon of snoring is quite common. It’s usually not caused by something serious however it may be related to some health issue that could affect your sleep quality.
What is the cause of the snoring?
The snoring sound could be caused by various parts of your airway, such as your nose, your uvula , the hanging piece at behind your mouth the pharynx] part of your throat that is behind it and tonsils], as well as the tongue’s base according to Dr. Nikki Ramskill, a Livi GP.
Snoring happens when one or more part of your airway relaxes and then collapses down. The collapsed areas will then vibrate as air passes through them while your breath in and out. It’s common for this to occur when you sleep However, not all sleepers snore.’
Who is the person who usually does not snore?
Nearly everyone has a moment of snoring however research suggests that snoring can become more frequent as we age. Snoring is a frequent issue among people who are between 40 and 60 particularly men who are older,’ says Dr Ramskill. The problem is seen in almost 50% of men and quarter of women. The problem of snoring is also seen to be prevalent through families.
Why do people snore?
Snoring isn’t typically caused by an underlying illness however, certain conditions can cause snoring to be more common due to obesity, underactive thyroid, an overly large number of tonsils, or any other cause of nasal obstruction, such as having an infection or a deviated septum, which is when the nasal wall is pulled towards one sideor the other.’
Our lifestyles can affect the likelihood that we sleep or don’t. Snoring is more likely when we drink alcohol, and especially in the evening according to Dr. Ramskill. Smokers who regularly use sleeping tablets or sedatives or who prefer sleeping on their backs are more likely to snore.’
What’s the relationship between the weight and snoring?
Research has proven that overweightness can affect your sleep, and can lead to snoring.’This is due to the fact that excess weight on your airways can make them more susceptible to retract,’ according to Dr. Ramskill. This can lead to low quality sleep and cause you to wake exhausted.’
There’s a strong connection with being obese and the development of the medical condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). Sleep apnoea is a severe problem that happens when the airway is weakened enough that it stops breathing,’ according to Dr. Ramskill.
When this happens at the late at night, your blood oxygen level will drop, which can cause you to get up. It may happen in the form of a gasp, and it could be terrifying to experience.’
How do I determine the severity of my snoring?
If you’re interested in determining whether your snoring could be an issue, Dr. Ramskill suggests the STOP-Bang test. If you have more than one question to can answer”yes” to, the greater the risk of developing sleep apnoea.
Do you snore incessantly (loud enough so that you can hear even through closed doors)?
Do you frequently feel tired, exhausted or sleepy throughout the day?
Have you noticed anyone stopping breathing while you sleeping?
Are you suffering from or are receiving treatment for hypertension?
Are you a bit overweight? 35?
Are you more than 50?
Are the circumferences of your neck over 40 centimeters?
Are you male?
If you answer yes to one of these questions does not necessarily mean that you suffer from sleep apnoea, but the risk is higher. It’s recommended to discuss your score with your doctor, since it will aid them in deciding which option to send you to an expert.
What can I do to stop snoring?
There are several methods that you can employ to reduce your snoring. These range from simple lifestyle adjustments to more sophisticated Snoring devices and solutions.
1. Simple lifestyle modifications
An effective method to deal with your snoring is to strive to live a healthy, balanced way of life. If you’re worried about snoring, consider:
Weight maintenance is essential to maintain a healthy weight
Exercising regularly
Lowering your alcohol consumption
Smoking less or quitting
Doing less sedative medication If you are taking any
2. You can sleep on your back
The reason for your snoring could be due to being a back-sleeper. You could also consider lying on the side. Dr. Ramskill is also recommending a method known as the ‘tennis ball trick’. Try sewing tennis balls into the back of a snug-fitting shirt to stop the ball from rolling on your back at night Dr Ramskill suggests it.
3. Eliminate symptoms of allergy (if you suffer from symptoms of allergies)
If you notice that your snoring is brought on by allergies or hay fever, reactions, make sure you clean often, especially on your mattress, and do not allow pets to sleep on the mattress,’ advises Dr. Ramskill. If you are suffering from the hay fever syndrome, make sure not hang laundry in the sun to dry during summer.’
4. Try an aid to snore
If you’re looking to stop snoring, there are a variety of ways and solutions to explore:
If you’re suffering with nasal congestion, you can look into a decongestant, or steroid nasal sprays. Also, you can try nasal strips or nasal dilators that are available at pharmacies.
If you’re a mouth breather and want to stop breathing, you can purchase an chin strap to keep the mouth shut or a vestibular mask to shut off the mouth and stop breath through your nose.
Some people find acupressure ring placed on fingers are beneficial and can be purchased through the internet.
Always consult with a doctor prior to trying any new treatment.
What is the best treatment for sleep apnoea?
If snoring is the result of a serious disorder, like sleep apnoea, it is possible that you require more advanced treatment.
Sleep apnoea sufferers will often be provided with the CPAP machine. This refers to constant positive pressure on the airways according to Dr. Ramskill. A CPAP machine is positioned around the mouth and nose and opens the airways by applying a high pressure of air once the patient breathes into. The oxygen is prevented from entering the bloodstream and the person feels much better after it.’
It isn’t easy to adjust to sleeping on the CPAP device, but sleeping with it for a long time can give you the best results.
What do I do if my roommate or sleeping partner snores?
Snoring in a room with a person who sleeps isn’t easy even if it’s just a little issue or a complete disturbance. Although snoring can appear to be a minor issue but it could have a significant impact on relationships as Dr. Ramskill.
There’s a lot of ways you can take care. To get the most sleep Try earplugs that are of good quality (wax ones are more effective than foam) and make use of white noise or fans to block out the snoring. You can also try to fall asleep prior to the other person.’
Then, take on the issue together. If the other person is trying bold lifestyle changes, or just trying to find a solution for snoring by assisting them, this will help both of you get an excellent night’s rest.
What is the best time to see an ophthalmologist about my sleeping disorder?
It is important to keep to your mind that all that is obese and who snores is automatically suffering from OSA. Most of the time sleep snoring isn’t something to worry about in the eyes of Dr. Ramskill. It’s nevertheless important to speak with a physician if you’re seeing signs of sleep apnoea.’
Dr. Ramskill suggests seeking medical advice on snoring:
If you snore more than 3 times per week
Your snoring sounds very loud
You make choking, gasping or snorting noises
In the morning you are tired and have trouble concentrating.
It’s a morning when you wake up with headaches and congestion
If you’ve observed any of these symptoms you should discuss the issue with a medical professional who will determine if further testing or treatment is required according to Dr. Ramskill.
