There are few things that can ruin a good night’s sleep like snoring. Not only is snoring incredibly obnoxious when you are trying to get some sleep, it can be a sign of some serious health issues. When you or someone you love struggles with snoring, you want to make sure you aren’t dealing with any underlying health issues. ENT Specialists would like to talk about snoring and the many things that cause it.
When you sink into sleep, the muscles in your throat, neck and roof of your mouth start to relax as you go from light to deep sleep. As your muscles relax, they can relax enough that your airway is somewhat blocked and when you try to breath, it causes tissue to vibrate. The narrower your airway, the louder your snoring will be.
There are several reasons that cause a person to snore.ENT Specialists have prepared a list of some of the most common causes.
When someone is extremely overweight, it can cause their airway to be narrowed by the extra fat in their throat. If you are overweight and find yourself snoring, try shedding some extra weight and you may notice a big difference in your snoring.
If you have chronic nasal issues, such as severe allergies that cause congestion, it can make snoring more prevalent. If you have a deviated septum, this can cause chronic congestion and lead to snoring as well.
Snoring is caused by narrowing of your airway when you are trying to sleep. If you have enlarged tonsils, this can end up attributing to a narrowed airway. Another issue can be long piece of tissue in the back of your throat called the uvula. If your uvula is longer than normal, this can cause snoring as well. Likewise, if your soft palate is low and thick, this can cause extra vibrations when you sleep as well, which causes snoring.
When you consume a large amount of alcohol, it makes your brain work differently. There is a part of your brain that regulates your breathing and consuming too much alcohol depresses that part of the brain. This will make your muscles in the throat and tongue relax too much and that can end up narrowing your airway.
This is a very serious condition that can have lasting effects on your overall health. If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, the tissues in your throat narrow your airways to the point that you aren’t able to breathe. If you suffer from this illness, you may find yourself gasping with a loud snort when you are sleeping. Sleep apnea can lead to serious issues including heart problems.
If you find yourself snoring, it may be a quick fix. However, there are times that snoring is a sign of a more serious issue. If you find yourself snoring and not getting a restful sleep, it is time to take a closer look. ENT Specialists can help you find out the reason for your snoring and get you on the way to a good night’s sleep again. Call today for an appointment.
