Snoring and Why It Happens.
Ever wondered why you snore or why some people snore when they are asleep?
If you snore, it's because the relaxed tissues in your throat vibrates as the air you breathe-in rushes past them. About half of the adults do it from time to time. Things like your weight, your health, and the shape of your mouth and nose can make you more likely to snore.
How Do I Know If I Snore?
Possibly is you are in bed with someone or a partner, if it’s loud enough to wake your partner up, they did probably complain to you about it. If you don’t believe them or you sleep alone and want to know for sure if you snore, you may have to turn on a voice recorder on your phone or a gadget that records before you fall sleep or before you go to bed.
Reasons why people snore when sleeping.
There are lots of reasons why people snore. It can be narrowed down to traditional reasons which are yet to be proven and some discoveries made by medical experts and scientists which relates well to it.
Stuffy Nose
Anything that stops you from breathing through your nose can make you snore, like if you’re stopped up from a cold, flu, or allergies. There are some medicines or nasal strips that can help open up airways and make your breathing better, but talk to your doctor if you it occurs more often.
You Sleep on Your Back.
This can make you snore or even worsen your snoring habit. Sleeping on your side is better, and cuddling with your partner (spooning) gets both of you on your sides. You also could try sleeping with two or three pillows stacked together so you don’t sleep flat on your back. If neither of those works, sew a small pocket between the shoulder blades of a shirt that's a little tight. Put a tennis ball in the pocket so it makes you uncomfortable when you roll onto your back.
The Shape of Your Nose.
If the thin wall between your nostrils didn’t form quite right, one side can be smaller than the other which is called a deviated septum which can make it harder for you to breathe and make you snore while sleeping. The same can happen if your nose was hurt in an accident. Talk to your doctor if you think something like this is going on with you, surgery can sometimes fix this problem.
The Shape of Your Mouth.
If the upper part of your mouth toward your throat that’s your soft palate is low and thick, it can narrow your airway and make you snore. This also can happen if the small piece of tissue that hangs from your soft palate which is the uvula is longer than it should be. Some people are born this way though, but it can get worse if you’re overweight. Surgery can also help fix this.
Is It Your Medication?
Sometimes drugs that make you sleepy (sedatives), muscle relaxants, and some antidepressants can relax your tongue and the muscles in your throat. Talk to your doctor if you snore and take any of this drugs, you may have to change your drugs.
Sleep Apnea
This is serious snoring that stops your breathing while you are asleep. It may make you struggle for breath or wake you up during the night. Signs of it include dry mouth, headache, or a sore throat in the morning. It’s linked to stroke, high blood pressure, and heart disease, so see your doctor if you think you might have sleep apnea, he may recommend a device that helps you breathe while you sleep or, in some cases, surgery.
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If Your Child Snores.
It’s not unusual for kids to snore now and then, especially if they have cold or allergy. But in some cases, it can be a sign of an infection in the sinuses, throat, lungs, or airways, or possibly sleep apnea. If you’ve noticed that your child snores loudly most nights, talk to a pediatrician about it.
If You’re Pregnant.
Moms to be are likely to snore because their nasal passages can swell and make it hard for them to breathe. Weight gain during pregnancy also can push on the diaphragm, which helps move air in and out of your lungs. But pregnant women should tell their doctors if they snore, because it can be linked to health issues like high blood pressure.
Things You Can Do To Stop Snoring;
Watch Your Weight.
You’re more likely to snore if you’re overweight, especially if your neck is more than 17 inches around. Losing a few pounds may help keep you in check, also talk to your doctor about a plan that would be right for you and engage yourself in exercise.
Cut Back on Alcohol.
Like some medicines, Alcoholic drinks can relax your tongue and throat muscles, and that can make you snore. It helps to watch what and how much you drink, especially when it’s close to bedtime.
