Snoring is a common problem - studies show that up to 40 percent of all Americans snore - but the majority of those people have no idea what causes it or what affects it can have on their health. Snoring is caused when parts of the mouth and throat vibrate against one another. The soft palate rubs against the throat tissue and causes that familiar sound. Snoring is caused by the air passage being blocked and your body struggling to get enough oxygen. In some cases, this can be a serious problem that is far more than just an annoyance. The air blockage can happen anywhere from the nose down to the vocal cords. This blockage can occur in the daytime but in most cases it is only a problem at night when you're sleeping. When you're asleep, your muscles are much more relaxed so your throat is more likely to become blocked. The four most common reasons people snore are being overweight, nasal deformities, sleeping on their back and alcohol usage. Being overweight is a problem because it often causes fat deposits in the skin of your neck and throat. This fat helps to constrict your air passages which leads to snoring problems. The obvious solution to this cause of snoring is to lose the extra weight. Nasal deformities can lead to airway blockage as well. The solution to this problem will depend on your particular case. Often, simple over-the-counter mouthpieces will help to improve the airflow and minimize snoring. In other cases, the only solution is surgery. Many people only snore when they're sleeping on their back and the solution, while obvious, is don't sleep on your back. One simple solution to stay off your back is to put a tennis ball in a sock and pin it to the back of your pajamas. If you roll on your back while sleeping, the discomfort will make you naturally roll back on your side. Alcohol leads to snoring problems because it is a depressant, and leads to more relaxed muscles in your throat and neck. If you must drink alcohol, it's best to have your last drink at least 4 hours before going to bed to help minimize snoring. |
