Are you or your partner a loud breather, or do you find that breathing normally is a challenge? Would you feel better if less weight on your chest prevented proper breathing? If you answered yes to these questions, then you may be suffering from an issue that is a common cause of snoring, sleep apnea.
This prevents all involved from having a deep and restful sleep, whether slow, rhythmic, or loud. Over time, a habit of sleep apnea can have detrimental effects on your physical and mental health.
To learn more about the common causes of snoring, keep reading for everything you need to know.
Poor Sleeping Habits
Poor sleep hygiene habits such as smoking or taking medications can lead to snoring or worsen snoring in some cases. Extremely congested or stuffy noses can also lead to snoring, as can issues with the tonsils and soft palette.
In other cases, disorders such as sleep apnea can cause loud snoring, though this is less and more serious than the more common causes. Good sleep practices can help to prevent snoring, and in more serious cases, medical aid may be necessary. Avoid eating too close to bedtime as it can cause indigestion.
Allergies and Sinus Congestion
Allergies often cause congestion in the nasal passages, leading to increased mucus production. This causes the airways to become blocked. Sinus congestion can also cause the same issues. It is typically caused by inflammation, which is common in people with allergies.
In either case, the blockage prevents air from freely flowing through the airway, leading to snoring. Avoid allergens as much as possible. To help reduce or prevent snoring due to allergies, visit this helpful site for more info on the snoring treatment you need.
For sinus congestion, it is important to help clear congestion with steam and decongestants or consider surgery if necessary.
Alcohol Consumption
When individuals become intoxicated, their body relaxes, and they are more likely to enter into a deep sleep. It allows the airways to collapse. It creates vibrations as air is forced past when exhaling.
Heavy drinking also leads to dehydration. It can cause the nasal and throat tissues to become clogged and further impede airflow. Alcohol can cause the drinker to lose the natural muscle tone in the tongue and throat. It leads to a greater risk of snoring repeatedly during the night.
Additionally, breathing can be disrupted by alcohol-induced fatigue. It can cause snoring in those who aren’t normally affected.
Sleep Position
People tend to snore more when they sleep on their backs due to the natural tendency of their throat muscles to relax and their tongues to fall back further toward the throat.
This forces their airways to become narrower and causes more sound to be produced as they breathe. Sleeping on your side can reduce snoring since gravity prevents the tongue and throat muscles from collapsing down as much.
Non-compliant pillows and cording tucked under the mattress that can obstruct breathing can also cause snoring.
Additionally, make sure the head is elevated to help during breathing, preventing the airway from partially collapsing and resulting in snoring.
Explore the Common Causes of Snoring
Snoring is a common, yet complex issue. It is oftentimes related to lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption and unhealthy eating. Establishing and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits is important in preventing and reducing snoring. However, if snoring continues to persist, it is highly recommended to see a healthcare professional to identify underlying medical conditions.
Take steps today to ensure healthy, effective rest – and peace and quiet!
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