THE SCIENCE OF SNORING
If you snore, you might think that it is only disrupting your partner’s sleep. However, in addition to being an annoyance to your bed partner, snoring could also be indicative of serious health issues for you. Not every case of snoring is tied to a health problem, but it is important to the causes of snoring if you do so on a regular basis, so you can seek treatment if sleep apnea or determine if another health issue is to blame.
Let’s look at some of the most common causes of snoring.
Alcohol Consumption
Drinking and smoking often contribute to snoring. When you drink alcohol, your throat muscles are more likely to relax when you sleep, which can cause your upper airway to become constricted. As a result, the tissue will vibrate in response to your efforts to breathe. The more restricted the airway becomes, the stronger the vibration will be—and as such, the louder your snoring will become. If your partner complains about your snoring, try to avoid alcohol close to bedtime, or reduce your consumption. This could help resolve your issue.
Mouth and Nasal Anatomy
Sometimes, the construction of your mouth or nose could be the cause of snoring. A low soft palate or elongated uvula can both increase the vibration in your throat when you’re breathing, which causes you to snore. A deviated septum can also lead to snoring. These issues can sometimes be corrected surgically, if your snoring is severe.
Sleep Apnea
Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, but this serious sleep disorder can lead to everything from heart disease to type 2 diabetes, so it’s important to get evaluated if snore. Sleep apnea treatment usually involves CPAP therapy or oral sleep appliances.
Sleep Dynamics can help you determine if you have a serious condition, such as sleep apnea, so you can get the treatment you need for a better night’s rest. Schedule sleep testing or an appointment with a sleep medicine specialist in Central New Jersey by calling (848) 217-0240.
