Snoring disrupts your sleep and the sleep of anyone who is in the same room (or even house) as you. Snoring may also be a warning that the sleeper is a victim of sleep apnea.
SNORING
SYMPTOMS- Loud, fluttery sound during sleep. Usually noticed by others sharing bed or room, but sometimes loud enough to wake the sleeper.
- Dry mouth. Caused by sleeping with mouth open.
- Sore throat. Caused by sleeping with mouth open and the strain of snoring.
- Morning headaches. Caused by improper intake of oxygen.
- Morning grogginess and sometimes daytime sleepiness. Caused by disturbed sleep because of loud snoring.
CAUSES
- Obesity. Obesity causes excess fatty tissue in the throat area that tends to make breathing difficult.
- Fleshy or deformed uvula. The small fleshy protrusion dangling downward visibly at the back of the mouth attached to the rear of the soft palate.
- Enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids. Again, this tends to block the air passages.
- Blockage of nasal passages. This can be from allergies, colds, sinus problems or a deviated septum.
- Age. As we grow older, the flesh and throat muscles tends to lose some of its elasticity and become flabby.
- Alcohol and some drugs. These may relax the throat muscles, allowing fatty tissue in the throat area to sag and block airflow.
- Sleeping on the back. Sleeping on your back can lead to or aggravate snoring as it allows the flesh of the throat to relax and block airways.
