Snoring is something most of us do on the odd occasion - even babies snore! However snoring can have an impact on not only how much you sleep but also the quality of it. Most people know that if they don't get a good night's sleep they can feel irritable and fatigued all day. It can also cause health problems if on a continuous basis. Not only is snoring bad for the person who is snoring but also for their bed partner. Some bed partner's find that the snoring can disrupt their sleep too.
How To Stop Snoring?
Many people simply accept they snore and don't feel there are any solutions to it however there are. If you have it fairly bad then it is worth trying the non-invasive treatments before looking into more serious options. Some ways to remedy the situation can be as simple as sleeping on your side or elevating your head while you sleep. Clearing your nose before you sleep, limiting alcohol and losing weight can also help the problem too. These aren't guaranteed to overcome snoring but could help and are worth a shot.
Causes of Snoring
Snoring is caused as a result of the narrowing of your airway. This can be caused by sleep posture or defects in the soft tissue in the throat. The position of your tongue can also get in the way of allowing you to breathe smoothly too. Finding out when and how you snore will help you pinpoint whether you have control over it or not. Try keeping a sleep diary and get your partner to help (if you have one).
If you find you snore with your mouth open then it is likely that your problem is a result of tissue abnormalities in the throat. If you snore with your mouth closed then it is likely that your tongue is at fault. If you snore only on your back then it may just be a minor issue that can be resolved by changing your sleeping habits and lifestyle. If you snore in all sleep positions then snoring could be a more severe issue and you may need to see a professional.
Generally there are several different causes to snoring including:
Genetics- Sometimes snoring problems can be hereditary. It is possible to inherit a narrow throat or other physical attributes that can contribute.
Weight- If you are overweight then the fatty tissue and poor muscle tone can make a contribution to the problem.
Smoking- Smoking causes nasal congestion and relaxes your muscles which contribute to snoring.
Sleeping posture- if you sleep on your back it allows the back of your throat to relax blocking the smooth flow of air in and out.
Allergies & Asthma- These can block the nasal passage and cause breathing to be a struggle contributing to snoring.
