The sound of snoring occurs when there is an obstruction to the passage of air through the back of the mouth and nose. In this area, the tongue coincides with the soft palate and the uvula or uvula.
When these structures collide with each other, a vibration is produced during breathing, generating the typical noise of snoring.
The problem of snoring is more common in men and overweight people and worsens with age.
Causes why we snore
The causes can be very varied. They can affect people who do not take care of themselves and have a poor quality of life, such as alcohol consumption or being overweight , to respiratory diseases that can affect the person from an early age. If the cause is the latter, it should be controlled by a specialist who will provide appropriate treatment.
- Problems in the respiratory tract, mouth and throat . This occurs when we encounter the enlarged or swollen tonsils, narrower than normal throat, thick palate, tongue larger than the mouth, or abnormalities in the bones of the face. The narrower the airway, the greater the vibration and the louder you will be snoring. Sometimes the walls of the throat collapse completely and become occluded, creating a condition called apnea (cessation of breathing). This is a serious condition that requires medical attention.
- Weakened muscle tone . Snoring happens when air cannot move freely through the nose and mouth during sleep, and is often caused by abnormalities in the soft tissues of the throat.
- Sinusitis , allergies and colds . They can cause snoring occasionally.
- Consumption of alcohol, tobacco, drugs or certain medications They can increase muscle relaxation which leads to more snoring.
- Overweight or obesity They are one of the main causes of apnea and snoring. For most people whose body weight is above normal, the first measure they should take is to reduce weight. In 50% of cases, the mildest cases of snoring can be resolved.
- Pregnancy and menopause . Weight gain or laxity of the neck muscles are the causes of snoring during these stages of a woman's life. The problem usually disappears once the pregnancy comes to an end or the woman goes through menopause with all the hormonal changes that this entails.
Symptoms of snoring
Generally, the loud snoring are accompanied by sleep apnea
Not all patients suffer from sleep apnea at the same time, however, if along with snoring you experience one or more of the following symptoms, you should contact an ENT doctor.
- Stop breathing during sleep
- Waking up tired
- Dry throat when waking up
- Daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Concentration and memory difficulties
- Problems with sexual function
- Chest pain at night
- Excessively loud snoring
- Arterial hypertension
- For children: lower school performance or difficulty concentrating
Sleep apnea is characterized by periods of silent breathing during loud snoring that occur several times during the night, which disrupts sleep and makes it non-restorative.
Snorers have at least some of the following problems:
- Low muscle tone in the throat or tongue muscles.
- An excessive development of the throat tissues.
- An excessive length of the soft palate and uvula.
- Obstruction of the nasal airways.
As general measures it is recommended:
- Avoid a sedentary life and do daily exercises.
- Avoid the use of tranquilizers and antihistamines before going to bed.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages before going to bed.
- Do not have large dinners before going to bed.
- Avoid excessive fatigue.
- Sleep preferably on your side rather than on your back.
- Place the bed inclined, raising the headboard.
