The Science of Chronic Snoring

Posted by admin in Prescription Sleep Medicine on June 21st, 2010

Even though you can buy a variety of products to help stop snoring, the fact is, it is more important to figure out why the individual is snoring. As it could be a sign of a more serious problem, if you or a loved one is snoring, it is always best to consult a physician for guidance.

While there are numerous reasons why people snore, the most common is linked to obesity. When an individual is obese, more fatty tissue is surrounding the throat. This leads to blocked air passages and the snoring is a sign that they are having difficulty breathing. Along with snoring, obesity can often lead to sleep apnea, where the individual actually stops breathing for seconds at a time. In these instances, a doctor should be consulted at once, as it can lead to other problems, including heart conditions.

Another reason many people snore is due to issues within the throat, including enlarged tonsils or an irregular uvula, the small odd-shaped piece of skin that hangs at the back of the throat. If the uvula, while one is sleeping, relaxes and blocks the air passage, it can cause one to snore, just as swollen tonsils due when they are restricting one’s breathing. The shape of the base of the tongue can also lead to snoring if it vibrates with mouth breathing, as well.

Thankfully, for some, the cause of snoring is simply sleeping on their back. Rolling them over to their side often opens up the airways more and they stop snoring. As individuals get older, there is less elasticity in the skin and this can lead to snoring, as well.

While the causes of snoring can be varied, if it is determined that is not a medical condition causing the snoring, you may find one or several products on the market to help control it. However, before you spend any money, try rearranging the position in which you are sleeping and you may just find that it will be enough to help you stop snoring.

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