Snoring affects everyone – whether you are the one snoring or the one who can't sleep all night because of their snoring partner. But why do we snore and is there a way to stop it?
Why do we snore?
Snoring is a medical condition and is caused by the relaxation of the muscles in your neck. While they are at rest, the upper airways narrow, which means that when you sleep, less air passes through your lungs.
"Partial closure of the airways causes vibration in certain areas of the walls of your throat and produces the familiar snoring sound."
Snoring is more common in people who:
- They smoke.
- They drink too much alcohol;
- They are overweight;
- They sleep on their backs.
"Men suffer from snoring more often, and the tendency is for it to worsen with age. Sleep apnea, which essentially represents a complete closure of the airways during sleep, also causes snoring."
However, snoring can also be a result of something temporary, such as allergies or swollen tonsils.
How does snoring affect your health?
"You might think that snoring is harmless, just a sign that you have fallen into a deep sleep. Yet, it carries some health risks."
First of all – snoring can interfere with your sleep, that of your partner, or even your roommate. As a result, you will feel even more tired the next day and will find it difficult to concentrate.
Fatigue can often lead to headaches, further complicating the ability to cope with daily tasks for both the snorer and potentially their partner. Lack of sleep can affect our mood and harm our mental health.
It is believed that snoring is also related to heart diseases, especially when it is a result of sleep apnea.
Solutions
"Lifestyle changes can have a huge impact on your snoring problem. Here are a few things you should consider doing:"
- To lose your weight;
- Stop smoking or at least try to reduce the number of cigarettes.
- Limit alcohol intake;
- Change your sleeping position. Start sleeping on your side instead of on your back. To make it easier, invest in a mattress TEMPUR, which molds to the curves of your body and helps you maintain the perfect sleeping position for you.
- Provide your partner with earplugs so as not to disturb their sleep;
- Avoid sleeping pills, as they can sometimes also cause snoring.
"In addition to changing habits, you can also use devices such as a chin strap or a mandibular advancement device, which help eliminate the causes of snoring."
"In some extreme cases, surgical intervention is also an option. If you have any concerns on the subject, share them with your doctor."
