Causes of Snoring and 5 Simple Tips on How to Stop Snoring Ruining Your Life
By: John Cielo
Submitted: 2010-10-12 12:27:11 | Word Count: 679
Before we begin to discuss the causes of snoring it's worth remembering that there's more than one victim of chronic snoring, not just the snorer. The sleeping partner is also badly affected.
So no one gets a good night's sleep which, over an extended period, can affect a relationship. It can get so bad that it can even destroy relationships.
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That's why it's very important to understand the causes of snoring. By this understanding, you are better placed to stop snoring, so that you and your partner can both get a good night's sleep. And this may well save your relationship...
CAUSES OF SNORING
When you sleep, the muscles in your airways are fully relaxed. Now, snoring can only occur under these conditions, because it's much easier to set up vibrations in muscle and soft tissue that are relaxed.
In addition, as the tissue relaxes, it moves into your airways and starts to constrict them. This leaves less room for the air to flow through, so that the air has to flow faster.
The air also becomes more turbulent, which sets-up vibrations in the soft tissue, which then produces the sounds of snoring. Your snoring's loudness, tone, and pitch, are determined by how badly restricted your airways are.
SNORING RISK FACTORS
Men are more at risk than women, although snoring can occur in both, and even in babies. Men are probably more at risk because men generally have larger, fleshier necks. This can put additional pressure on the airways. In addition, women produce progesterone hormones, which can help to inhibit snoring.
But although men are more likely to suffer from snoring than women, what causes some men (and some women) to have serious snoring problems and others not to?
When reviewing the causes of snoring some general health and lifestyle issues come into play. These are issues such as...
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Too much alcohol (especially at night)
- Clogged airways due to nasal allergies
- Enlarged thyroid
- Some medications, i.e. relaxants
This list isn't complete, but I hope you now get a better feel for the causes of snoring.
So now that we understand more about the causes of snoring, let's look at how you can prevent snoring form ruining your life...
5 SIMPLE TIPS ON HOW TO STOP SNORING AT NIGHT
(1) Change Your Sleeping Position
Many snorers sleep on their backs. This can restrict the airways. So change to sleeping on your side during the night. There are devices that help you do this. Or, a simple home remedy is to attach a tennis ball to the back of your pyjamas.
(2) Stop Snoring Devices
Get to know the anti-snoring devices available to you over the counter, like snoring mouthpieces, anti-snore pillows, nasal strips, chin straps, and so on.
(3) Make Some Lifestyle Adjustments
This is a big one. If you're overweight then this puts you at a higher risk of snoring. As does smoking and drinking. So check your weight position with your doctor and avoid alcohol and cigarettes if you can. Certainly no alcohol in the evening. Also your last meal should be 3 to 4 hours before bed.
(4) Review Your Medication
Many drugs cause your muscles to relax and can therefore cause snoring. So review your medication. But don't stop them without first talking to your doctor.
(5) Surgery to Stop Snoring
Of course this is a last resort. But, if nothing else works for you, then you might consider having a conversation with your doctor about the surgery option.
Now that you know the causes of snoring you are better able to understand how these tips can help you.
