| Snoring is the noise of the soft palate and | | | | or some other reason for a stuffy nose. The |
| the loose tissue in the mouth, nose and | | | | degree of snoring ranges from an annoyance to |
| throat, like the uvula, adenoids and/or | | | | the partner to indicating obstructive sleep |
| tonsils, vibrating during sleep. It generally | | | | apnea. |
| occurs when you sleep on your back and during | | | | |
| the inhaling process. | | | | Sleep apnea refers to the condition of |
| | | | repeated short interruptions of breathing |
| As the throat muscles lose their firmness due | | | | between snores. It can be dangerous for both |
| to age, and relax during sleep, the loose | | | | adults and children in case of severe, |
| hanging soft tissues cause the air passages | | | | prolonged sleep and oxygen deprivation. |
| to narrow. The obstructing elements in the | | | | |
| throat touch one another, causing friction | | | | Snoring cannot be stopped at will, and there |
| and subsequent vibration. The faster the | | | | is not one simple cure for it. First the |
| force of air and the narrower the air | | | | physical abnormality causing it needs to be |
| passage, the louder and more resonant the | | | | identified before a control can be found. It |
| snore becomes. | | | | is most often more disruptive to other |
| | | | people's sleep than the person responsible! |
| Snoring is very common, affecting up to 60% | | | | |
| of males, mostly middle aged, and 40% of | | | | What Can You Do About It Now? |
| females, and is three times more common in | | | | |
| obese persons. The latter is considered to be | | | | - The use of antihistamines and/or allergy |
| due to an excess amount of fat in the neck. | | | | medications to unclog the nasal cavities |
| | | | affected by allergic reactions to pollen, |
| The reason that men are mostly affected may | | | | pets or medications. |
| be related to the fact that they have an | | | | |
| Adam's apple; an extra appendage to obstruct | | | | - Treat your cold or flu with whatever remedy |
| their air ducts. Although women also have | | | | helps to keep the nasal passages as clear as |
| this thyroid cartilage, the testosterone | | | | possible during sleep. |
| influx during puberty causes it to grow much | | | | |
| more prominent in men. As their waking voice | | | | - Reduce your alcohol consumption as alcohol |
| is more sonorous than women's, so is their | | | | causes the throat muscles to relax. |
| snoring. | | | | |
| | | | - Surgery may be required in the case of |
| Women, on the other hand, produce the hormone | | | | adenoids, tonsils, thyroid and other growths. |
| progesterone, which inhibits snoring, and | | | | |
| consequently are less likely to snore. Some | | | | - Restrict the use of nasal sprays and/or |
| anti-snoring devices are known to use | | | | perfumes which may irritate the air passages. |
| progesterone as their basic ingredient. | | | | |
| | | | - Reduce or stop smoking as tobacco smoke |
| Even babies can display a mild form of | | | | causes inflammation in the air passages. |
| snoring. This should be carefully monitored, | | | | |
| however, as it may be a sign of obstruction | | | | - Consult your doctor about sedatives and/or |
| in the baby's respiratory tract. | | | | medications that relax your muscles. |
| | | | |
| Occasional snoring in all genders and ages is | | | | - Lifestyle changes may be in order if |
| more likely during a bout of cold, sinusitis | | | | obesity is the culprit of your snoring. |