The staff at Weight No More in Newport Beach, California can help patients dealing with snoring by helping to ease symptoms and lose weight which may contribute to snoring.
Snoring Q&A
What exactly is snoring?
Snoring is the hoarse nasal rumbling noise which occurs when a person’s breathing is partly blocked during their sleep. Occasionally, snoring can indicate a more serious health condition or the presence of obstructive sleep apnea. As many as 50% of adults snore on occasion.
Snoring results when air flows past the relaxed tissues in a person’s throat. These tissues then vibrate as the person breathes, which causes the loud, snorting noises. Lifestyle changes, including losing weight, avoiding alcohol near bedtime, and side sleeping, can help reduce or even stop snoring. In addition, medical devices and, in severe cases, surgery are available which can minimize disruptive snoring. The doctor will provide a recommendation on the best treatment to help a patient to stop snoring.
What causes snoring?
The most common causes of snoring include:
- Mouth anatomy- Having a low, thick, or soft palate can constrict the airway. Those who are overweight may have additional tissues in the back of their throats which can constrict their airways. Similarly, if the triangular piece of tissue hanging from the soft palate known as the uvula is elongated, airflow can be blocked and vibration greater.
- Alcohol consumption- Snoring can also be brought on by drinking an excessive amount of alcohol prior to bedtime. Alcohol relaxes throat muscles and decreases the natural defenses which prevent airway obstruction.
- Nasal problems- Chronic nasal congestion or a crooked or deviated nasal septum can also contribute to a person’s snoring.
- Sleep deprivation- Not getting enough sleep can cause further relaxation of the throat.
- Sleep position- Snoring is generally most frequent and loudest when the person is sleeping on his or her back because gravity’s effect on the throat constricts the airway.
In some instances, snoring is related to sleep apnea while in other cases the patient may be dealing with allergies, or a cold, or experience snoring because of weight issues.
Does everyone who snores suffer sleep apnea?
Snoring does frequently occur with obstructive sleep apnea, however, snoring does not mean that a person has the condition. Snoring is often related to clogged sinus passages, allergies, and colds. In addition, not every person with OSA actually snores. If you are experiencing snoring that disrupts your life with symptoms including forgetfulness, moodiness, daytime drowsiness, issues concentrating, waking up gasping or choking, and falling asleep throughout the day you should make an appointment for the assessment with a medical professional at Weight No More.