Appointment Helpline
Snoring is characterised by the vibration of respiratory structures during sleep, resulting in the production of audible sounds. This phenomenon often arises from partial airway obstruction, leading tissues in the throat and nose to vibrate as air passes through. While occasional snoring is unsurprising, persistent and loud snoring may signal underlying health concerns, such as sleep apnea. Research indicates that a considerable portion of the population, encompassing various demographics and age groups, experiences snoring to varying degrees. Several factors, including age, gender, and lifestyle habits like obesity and smoking, can influence the likelihood of snoring.
Book an appointment with our expert doctors to get yourself checked
While snoring may seem like a common nuisance, understanding the triggers can help you address it effectively. Here are some key factors that contribute to snoring causes:
Smoking
Alcohol
Depressants/muscle relaxants
Sleeping on your back
Chronic Nasal Congestion
Age
Demographics
Gender: Men have narrower airways on average, leading to a higher prevalence of snoring.
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and fluid retention can contribute to congestion and snoring.
Genetics: Facial features and throat structure can influence susceptibility to snoring.
According to a study by the National Institute of Health highlights a possible association between snoring and the following conditions:
Obesity or Excess Weight,
Stress, and
A low level of “Good Cholesterol”
While these factors elevate heart disease risk, the precise role of snoring and its relationship (cause or effect) remains unclear to experts.
Snoring is commonly associated with obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterised by repetitive pauses in breathing during sleep.
Loud and persistent snoring can result in fragmented sleep patterns.
Snoring may reduce the amount of restorative deep sleep, impacting the overall quality of the sleep cycle.
Regular snoring is linked to daytime fatigue and excessive sleepiness.
Snoring only affects older individuals
All snorers have sleep apnea
Addressing snoring is crucial not only for better sleep quality but also for preventing potential long-term health consequences related to sleep disturbances. It’s common for people to snore without realising it. But if you are waking up and noticing the following symptoms:
Dry mouth suggests mouth breathing due to airway obstruction during sleep.
A sore throat is another potential consequence of restricted airflow.
Fatigue is a key indicator of disrupted sleep caused by snoring.
Headache, possibly triggered by oxygen deprivation associated with snoring.
Your doctor may conduct tests like blood pressure checks and inquire about your medical history, including questions about:
Volume and frequency of snoring.
Sleep positions that exacerbate snoring.
Daytime symptoms like sleepiness, memory issues, or difficulty concentrating.
Any history of experiencing pauses in breathing during sleep.
Depending on the case, a sleep study might be recommended to monitor brain waves, oxygen levels, breathing patterns, and muscle activity during sleep, providing insight into potential sleep apnea or other sleep disorders.
In specific cases of snoring treatment, an ENT specialist may examine your throat, neck, and mouth to identify anatomical factors contributing to snoring.
Data from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine indicates that roughly 40% of men and 24% of women regularly experience snoring. Fortunately, effective treatment options and lifestyle modifications are available to help reduce snoring and improve sleep.
Weight management
Avoidance of alcohol and smoking
By consulting a sleep specialist, you can:
UPPP is a surgical procedure designed to address snoring and sleep apnea. It involves the removal of excess tissue from the throat, including the uvula, soft palate, and part of the pharynx. The goal is to widen the airway and reduce the likelihood of obstruction during sleep. In rare situations, your doctor might suggest a surgical resolution.
Humidifiers - Adequate humidity can soothe the tissues in the throat, reducing the likelihood of vibration and snoring.
Allergens, dust mites, and allergenic materials in pillows can contribute to nasal congestion and snoring. Changing pillows might contribute in helping the situation.
NOTE: While these home remedies may offer relief for some individuals, it's important to note that their effectiveness can vary. Snoring can have multiple snoring causes, and what works for one person may not work for another.
While occasional snoring or post-workout exhaustion might not raise alarm bells, persistent snoring combined with specific symptoms like fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and sudden weight gain warrants immediate attention from a sleep specialist. Why?
This combination could point to sleep apnea, a potentially serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to a range of health problems, including:
Increased risk of heart disease and stroke
High blood pressure
Type 2 diabetes
Mood disorders
Decreased cognitive function
Don't ignore persistent snoring or the warning signs of sleep apnea. Take control of your health and sleep soundly by seeking professional help.
Snoring itself isn’t the true concern. The worry lies in its potential link to sleep apnea. The oxygen deprivation due to sleep apnea raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health complications. Pay attention to chronic, heavy snoring and daytime sleepiness.
Snoring occurs when air can't easily flow through your nose and throat during sleep. This causes tissues in those areas to vibrate, producing the characteristic snoring sound.
Nasal strips work by using gentle spring-like bands to lift and open the nostrils, creating more space for air to flow through. This reduces the vibration of tissues in the nose and throat, which is what causes snoring. It's important to note that nasal strips are not a cure for all types of snoring, especially in severe cases or those caused by underlying conditions.
Stress can indeed be a trigger for snoring, although it's important to understand the mechanism and individual factors involved. chronic stress can also lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating, which can contribute to weight gain, especially around the neck and throat. This added weight puts pressure on the airway, further narrowing it and amplifying snoring.
While many lifestyle changes can help, like sleeping on your side, losing weight, or using nasal strips, if your snoring continues or affects your sleep significantly, consult a doctor for snoring treatment and to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
