Snoring: Why Do We Do It?

Most people snore sometimes, if not all the time. Some snore loudly, some just purr. Surveys have produced different results, but it is probable that about half of us over the age of 30 snore. The probability of snoring increases with age and obesity and about 60% of men and 40% of women do it regularly, even more do it infrequently.

Snoring is caused when there is an obstruction to the free flow of air in the back of the throat and or nose. This area is 'collapsible', so the noise is usually produced by the flapping of the uvula against the soft (upper) palate. Therefore, weak throat muscles or a 'fat neck' can aggravate the condition. Consumption of alcohol in the late evening increases the chances of snoring because it relaxes the throat muscles and sleeping on one's back allows the tongue to slip back and partially block the airway. Also, not everyone is built to exactly the same proportions - some have a longer, narrower palate, which is more collapsible and others have a longer uvula, which is more flappable.

Some say wearing a ring on one of the little fingers helps because it puts pressure on a relevant acupuncture point. Others put a tennis ball in a sock and sew the sock to the back of their pyjamas. One doctor even suggested that playing the didgeridoo could cure snoring by tightening up and toning the throat muscles.

Drinking less the evening, losing weight and sleeping on your side are the best 'home' remedies. However, there are also surgical appliances on the market and surgery is available too. The appliances vary, but they range from adhesive strips to hold the nostrils open to 'mandibular advancement splints', which, worn in the mouth, 'set the jaws to their optimum position' [!].

Snoring can cause serious social, psychological, physical and medical problems and should not be taken too lightly. Socially, families may suffer from having a heavy snorer in the household. Friends and colleagues may not invite a heavy snorer to 'sleep over' or go on holiday or on business trips together. Psychologically, a snorer may feel ostracised, embarrassed or even victimized for something that is really totally beyond his or her control. Physically, snorers suffer from lack of sleep and all that that entails; for example, daytime drowsiness and the inability to concentrate for log periods of time, which in turn can cause problems at work and in the car - a high proportion of road accidents is caused by the driver dozing at the wheel. Medically, a recent Australian survey reported that, after treatment, heavy snorers were 64% less likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke, because heavy snoring, which can also be sleep apnoea, puts extra stress on the heart. Obstructive apnoea is the condition where a snorer stops breathing due to complete obstruction of the airway for up to ten seconds seven times an hour while sleeping. This can happen between 30 and 300 times a night. After years of apnoea, hypertension and an enlarged heart may result.

Light snoring is not necessarily serious but even that means obstructed breathing, which is not a good thing. Heavy snoring can be a sign of a problem or a warning of problems to come. A doctor can help; snoring is neither funny nor hopeless.

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

Michael Russell Your independent guide to Snoring

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