Millions of people around the world do not experience quality sleep because of snoring. Whether you are the snorer or you are sleeping with one, your sleeping pattern will most likely be affected. Well, apart from being downright irritating, snoring is also a warning sign that something unhealthy is going on in a person’s body.
Snoring happens when parts of the mouth and throat vibrate due to breathing difficulties. In general, there are two main types of snoring: primary and the more complicated one called Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). The latter one is more complex and thus we will tackle it in a separate article. Click here to read more about OSA.
Primary Snoring
During the course of our wake, we breathe in and out normally (unless breathing is brought to our attention). This means that breathing occurs naturally even though we are not thinking about it. However, this changes when we are asleep. During sleep, our brains make sure that our body is in its most relax state.
For some people, when they are extremely relaxed, the muscles supporting their respiratory system also tend to expand. When this happens, the air passageway becomes obstructed causing breathing difficulties. Such a condition leads to the vibration of some parts of the mouth and the throat. The vibrations produce the sound which we all call as the snore.
It is evident that men are more likely to snore than women. Men are bound to accumulate more weight around their neck areas while women accumulate weight around their waists or arms. So for men, their heavier necks are most likely to press harder against their throats causing the blockage of the air passageways. Women also have the hormone called progesterone. This hormone is the main agent why women do not accumulate as much fat around their neck area as men.
Causes of Snoring
Nonetheless, fat accumulation around the neck area is not the only reason why people snore. The other reasons are listed below:
1. Allergies – Some people tend to have breathing difficulties when attacked by their allergies. In such cases, their air passageways are blocked causing the vibrations which produce the sound we call as the snore.
2. Dry Nasal Passages – Moist nasal passages lessen the vibrations caused by the movement of air in and out of our throats. When it is dry, the vibrations become stronger and thus produce an audible sound.
3. Cold and Flu – When one is sick with cold or flu, he or she will most likely have a clogged nose causing breathing difficulties.
4. Too much alcohol before sleeping – Alcohol can make some parts of the mouth and throat expands.
5. Goiter and other Thyroid problems – Obviously, when one has a goiter or has some other thyroid problems, it is very possible for her or him to have inflamed throats.
6. Large Belly
7. Irritation Caused by nasal sprays
8. Surgery on the throat and the nasal passages
9. Inflammation of the tonsils
10. Medications that can relaxation
There can be other reasons why a person would snore apart from those listed above. But the common factor that involves all these reasons is the fact that snoring is the result of breathing difficulties during sleep. It is wise if you will consult your doctor so that you will know what causes your snoring problems. Only then will you be able to assess if your snoring problem is still normal or if you need immediate medical attention. Do not forget that snoring can be a sign of a much more complex disease, so better act quick.
No related posts.
