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Causes, Risk Factors and Cures for Snoring

Snoring occurs when inhaled or exhaled air causes vibrations in the throat or nasal passages. These vibrations result from a partial blockage which may be located at any point between the tip of the nose down to the vocal chords. Studies estimate that between 30 and 50 percent of the total U.S. population are regular snorers. More of these are men than women.

  1. Sleep Apnea

    • Although annoying to others nearby, most snoring is harmless. However, loud and frequent snoring may be linked to a potentially life-threatening condition called sleep apnea. There are different types of sleep apnea, but all sufferers have periods of several seconds during sleep when breathing stops altogether. Frequent night-time waking causes drowsiness and concentration. More seriously, untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of heart attack, high blood pressure, obesity, stroke, diabetes, depression, anxiety and irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).

    Treatments for Sleep Apnea

    • The most successful treatment for sleep apnea is a machine called a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device. Via a facial mask, the machine keeps the breathing passages open during sleep by continuously forcing air through them. Sufferers may also be helped by the wearing of a special dental mouth-guard which adjusts the position of the jaw and tongue. This must be fitted by a dentist specialized in sleep apnea. If these are unsuccessful, surgery may help to correct the problem. It should be noted that snoring-related sleep disturbances can occur without sleep apnea being the culprit. There is a simple test to make the determination.

    Smoking and Alcohol

    • Smoking and drinking can cause snoring.

      There is a well-established link between the consumption of alcohol and tobacco and increased snoring. To discover whether either or both of these is causing the problem, the snorer should reduce or stop drinking and smoking until it can be established whether this is the cause. Smoking and alcohol may also increase the incidence of sleep apnea in the snorer.

    The Weight Issue

    • A person who is overweight is more likely to snore. This is due to poor muscle tone and higher levels of fatty deposits in the airways which cause them to narrow. Increased weight is also linked to the incidence of sleep apnea. If weight gain is the cause of a person snoring, usually the problem will disappear when the sufferer loses weight.

    Other Physiological Causes

    • Snoring may be the result of blocked nasal passages caused by allergies or an infection or by the shape of the nasal passages. Hormonal changes caused by pregnancy and menopause have also been linked to snoring. The ageing process may also be responsible for new snoring in both sexes as the airways can become narrower with age. A doctor will be able to advise on allergies or infection that affect the airways and recommend a treatment to stop snoring. If the obstruction causing the snoring is in the nose, another treatment available is the application of nasal strips. Manufacturers claim that these prevent nostril collapse during sleep. A person is more likely to snore if he is sleeping on his back. Changing the sleep position to the side may be a simple solution for all snorers.

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