Causes & Prevention of Snoring

Your snoring habits can keep others awake at night, leaving them irritable once the sun rises. However, snoring also comes with more severe consequences. According to the Mayo Clinic, habitual snoring can lead to an increased risk of high blood pressure and heart problems. It may also be sign of sleep apnea. Learning the causes and cures for your snoring will benefit you and those around you.

Alcohol

• Alcohol and sedatives relax the muscles in your throat. When your throat is slightly closed, airflow will vibrate your soft palate and uvula, causing an increase in snoring. ABC News suggests avoiding alcohol three to four hours before you go to bed.

Weight

• Snoring is more common in individuals with large necks because more fat tissue is blocking the airflow to the throat. Therefore, by carrying around extra pounds, you increase your risk of snoring. Invest in a weight loss program; it will solve many health problems, including snoring.

Sleeping Position

• When you sleep on your back, your tongue partially blocks the airway to your throat. Sleep on your side to avoid this problem. If you aren't comfortable on your side, raise the head of your bed. The slight incline may help you keep your tongue flat while your sleep.

Nasal Congestion

• When you're sick, nasal congestion makes it difficult to breathe through your nose. The extra breathing effort causes tissues to shift and block the throat, causing you to snore. Sinus infections and allergies, which also cause exaggerated breathing, can lead to snoring, too. Use nasal strips to improve your breathing.

Mouth Anatomy

• The natural anatomy of your mouth can cause snoring. Extra tissue on the uvula, soft palate or tonsils blocks the airway to the throat, resulting in loud snores. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty is a medical procedure in which surgeons trim excess oral tissues, improving airflow. According to WebMD, the surgery reduces snoring in 43 to 73 percent of patients.

Sleep Apnea

• Obtrusive sleep apnea is a disorder that causes pauses in breathing while you rest. The pauses result from excess tissue in the throat. Loud snoring, gasping and snorting throughout the night are symptoms of this condition. Medical treatments, such as the use of a continuous positive airway pressure mask, are available if you have sleep apnea.