Snoring is a relatively serious health issue as it directly affects both the snorer and the people around them. Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a psychiatric specialist and sleep researcher in Menlo Park, California, explains that snoring occurs when the muscles in the throat tighten, causing the air to be blocked and unable to escape smoothly through the nose or mouth, resulting in an unpleasant “snoring” sound.
Snoring creates noise, affects both the individual’s sleep and those around them, and can even strain marital relationships.
Causes of Snoring
There are several reasons why the muscles in the throat tighten and create snoring sounds. Here are some common causes:
Respiratory Issues: When you have respiratory conditions such as nasal congestion, sinusitis, or allergic rhinitis, it often leads to snoring during sleep.
Overweight/Obesity: Overweight individuals are more prone to snoring because their neck area has more fatty tissues, which put pressure on the throat and nose, obstructing the free flow of air and causing snoring.
Stimulants: Substances with stimulating properties like alcohol, beer, or cigarettes can contribute to snoring. These substances relax the muscles, increase mucus secretion in the nasal passage, and narrow the airway, resulting in snoring during sleep.
Sleeping Position: Different sleeping positions can also lead to snoring. Sleeping on your back, for example, causes the tongue and mouth to fall back into the throat, expanding the tissues in the throat and blocking the airway.
Treatment for Snoring
According to Dr. Dimitriu, it is important to identify the underlying causes of snoring to find the best treatment.
If snoring is related to nasal or throat health issues, the best way to eliminate snoring is to maintain good hygiene and keep the nasal and throat passages clear to prevent respiratory problems.
If you frequently experience snoring, drink plenty of water during periods of throat inflammation to keep the throat clear and the respiratory passage functioning smoothly, reducing the likelihood of snoring.
If a certain sleeping position tends to cause snoring, try changing your posture. Sleeping on your side, for example, can help reduce snoring. Additionally, reducing snoring can lead to a deeper sleep and mitigate the health risks associated with sleep apnea.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and losing weight can also be effective in treating snoring. Regular exercise helps improve overall health and reduce fat, which in turn reduces the risk of snoring.
Eliminating stimulants such as alcohol, beer, and cigarettes is considered highly effective in promoting better sleep and preventing snoring.
