What Are the Most Common Causes of Snoring?
Snoring can happen at night, and you may not even be conscious that it is happening. Many people who sleep in the same room with a snorer wake up because of it.
Some of those people are snorers who may have no idea what is happening in their bodies, unaware of loud noise at night. It can be a mystery what are the most common causes of snoring.
Keep reading to learn about some of the most common causes of loud snoring that can interfere with your sleep.
Sleep positioning
If you sleep on your back, your tongue and soft palate can collapse and block your airway. Sleeping on your side may help prevent this.
If you sleep on your stomach, your neck can be forced into an awkward position which can also lead to snoring. Some people find relief by elevating their heads with an extra pillow.
Whatever position you sleep in, make sure you are comfortable and your head and neck are in alignment. This will help keep your airway clear and may help you avoid snoring.
Blockage of the Airway
This can be due to many factors, including a deviated septum. Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated septum. It is often effective in reducing or eliminating snoring.
If you are a chronic snorer, it is important to consult with a doctor to find out the cause and to get treatment. Septoplasty by Dr. Zadeh will help you resolve the issue.
Alcohol Is One of the Causes of Snoring
Alcohol is a depressant and it relaxes the muscles in your body. This includes the muscles in your throat and soft palate. When these muscles are relaxed, they can vibrate and this can cause snoring.
Alcohol also dries out the mouth and throat, which can make snoring worse. This soft tissue can then collapse and block the airway. Drinking alcohol can also cause the tongue to fall back into the throat, which can also block the airway.
Medications
There are many medications that can cause or worsen snoring. These include antihistamines, sedatives, tranquilizers, and muscle relaxants. Many of these medications work by drying out the secretions in the nose and throat, snoring causes vibrations.
Some sedatives, such as those prescribed for anxiety or insomnia, can relax the muscles in the throat and cause snoring. Pain medications and some antidepressants can also have this effect. Stimulants such as diet pills and decongestants can have the opposite effect by keeping you awake and making it difficult to sleep.
In some cases, snoring may be a side effect of the medication itself. If you are taking any medications, be sure to ask your doctor if snoring is a possible side effect.
Obesity
When a person is obese, they have excess fat around their neck and throat. This extra fat can block the airway and cause snoring. Obesity can also lead to other health challenges or problems such as sleep apnea, which can make snoring worse.
Stop Your Snoring Habit Today
If you are someone who snores, you know how bothersome it can be for your partner. Causes of snoring occur when the airway is blocked during sleep, causing the soft tissues in the back of the throat to vibrate.
While snoring may be annoying, it can be a more serious medical condition, such as sleep apnea. If you snore regularly, see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Did you enjoy reading this article? If so, read our blogs today for more helpful tips!
