Learn about the factors that contribute to snoring and treatments to help alleviate snoring.
Snoring is the sound produced when a person's airway is obstructed. The sound is actually a vibration caused by the air going in and out of the lungs. The obstructed airway causes the tissue in the nose or throat to vibrate. Snoring can cause abrupt awakening interrupting a person's sleep. There are several factors that can contribute to snoring. These factors include weight, fitness, nasal deformities, a long soft palate or uvula, enlarged tonsils, allergies, asthma, alcohol and smoking, and sleep positions.
Weight and fitness can play a major role in their snoring. A person who is obese is more likely to snore than someone is not. Obesity causes a person to have an excess of fatty tissue in their airway. This extra tissue can obstruct their airway making it more difficult for the person to breathe causing them to snore. Fitness is also a key role in snoring. A person who is less fit will have poorly defined muscle tone. The lack of firm muscles can cause them to snore.
Nasal deformities such as a deviated septum can cause a person's airway to become obstructed and lead to snoring. A long soft palate or uvula can cause snoring when a person relaxes during sleep. The long soft palate or uvula can dangle causing a fluttering, vibrating sound. Enlarged tonsils can also lead to snoring. They can cause a person's airway to become obstructed because of their abnormal size.
Allergies and asthma are two factors that can cause an obstructed airway causing a person to snore. A blocked airway will make it more difficult for a person to breathe. With a blocked nasal passage, it is harder for a person to inhale air causing their breathing to be more difficult. Sinus infections or colds can also lead to a blocked nasal passage. Also, medications taken for colds, allergies, and asthma such as antihistamines and nasal decongestants can cause a relaxation of the throat and tongue leading to snoring.
Alcohol and smoking can cause a person's throat and tongue to become relaxed. The relaxation of these muscles can cause a person to snore. Sleeping positions can also cause a person to snore. A person sleeping on their back is more likely to snore in this position than any other. Sleeping on the back can cause the throat muscles to become more relaxed and lead to snoring. Changing sleep positions can help to reduce snoring. Also changing the amount and position of pillows can help to reduce snoring.
There are several treatments to help alleviate snoring. Many of these treatments include changing one's behavior and/ or lifestyle. This includes incorporating diet and exercise into your daily activities, giving up alcohol and smoking, reducing the use of certain medications such as antihistamines and nasal decongestants, and changing sleep positions. There are also dental aids such as lower jaw adjusters to help treat snoring. Keep in mind, not all snoring can be treated by behavioral and lifestyle changes. If sleep apnea or another medical condition is suspected as the cause for snoring, a medical doctor should be consulted. It is best to consult a doctor before trying any type of treatment.
