Snoring can be a cause of insomnia and sleep apnea. It can also increase the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. There are many reasons why people snore, some of which may not be obvious to you. The following are just a few examples of how snoring can impact your life.
Your snoring may mean that you are sleeping on your back. Since the position of your head when you sleep determines the manner in which air moves through your body, snoring puts a great deal of pressure on your throat and airway that can lead to sleep apnea. Even if you sleep on your side, your tongue can block the airways. This can also lead to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can cause you to wake up drowsy during the night and your sleep may not be quality sleep.
You snore because your breathing is not regular or deep enough. If you are not breathing evenly throughout your body, you are at greater risk for snoring. Breathing deeply may help to keep the throat more relaxed, reducing pressure and keeping the airways open.
You snore because you do not get enough sleep. Sleeping less than the recommended eight hours per night can lead to poor sleep quality and sleep apnea.
Snoring occurs when there is not enough muscle tone in the throat. People who snore can learn to train their muscles to relax, thus reducing the vibration of their throat during sleep. Muscle tone also prevents the tongue from falling back into the throat. In addition, the neck can be forced upwards, reducing the incidence of sleep apnea.
The nose might get blocked in people who snore on a regular basis. This is often due to allergies and will likely need medical attention to be cleared. Chronic snorers can often tell that their nasal passages are blocked.
Some people snore because their sinuses may be inflamed. If you notice that your sinus cavities are swollen or red, it could be a sign that you are snoring. This is usually related to allergies.
Many people who snore may have nasal polyps or adenoids. People who snore frequently may be at greater risk for contracting adenoid cancer. This usually occurs in those who are smokers.
For some people snoring is caused by their throat not being properly lubricated. The throat is not lubricated during sleep, which leads to vibrations and noise. The lips are not protected from the wind when sleeping, so the soft palate vibrates.
The neck and mouth areas are commonly affected by snoring. A person’s neck muscles may become tense when they are asleep. Tense neck muscles can make it difficult to breathe, thus restricting the airway. In addition, your mouth area can restrict the airways when you sleep.
Snoring can be very distressing to the snorer and their loved ones. It can affect your health and relationships. It is important to learn more about the causes of snoring.