Snoring is an epidemic that effects around a quarter of Australian adults. It can be highly irritating to those around you who are kept awake by the noise. So, what causes snoring and how can it be stopped?
When you sleep your muscles relax causing part of your throat, the pharynx, to become narrower. As you breathe in and out, whether it be via your nose or mouth, the pharynx vibrates causing the sound. The narrower the channel becomes, the easier it vibrates and the louder the person will snore.
Men are more likely to snore than women because of biological factors, and middle-aged people are more at risk as they lose muscle tone.
What increases your risks of snoring?
There are several factors that increase the risk of snoring such as:
- Being overweight – having excess fat around your throat reduces the width of the pharynx
- Sleeping on your back – this causes the tongue to fall back in your throat and effect the flow of your airways
- Drinking alcohol – this increases the throat muscle’s relaxation
- Smoking – increases the difficulty of air moving in and out
- Some medications – ones that particularly increase muscle relaxation
- Pregnancy – the hormones cause the nose to swell and increase weight, increasing airway vibrations
How can I stop it?
If your snoring is irritating you or others, you should consult your doctor.
Some simple solutions are reducing alcohol or medicine consumption close to bedtime. You can also try sleeping on your side or shedding a few kilos.
Various devices have been created such as mouthguards, nasal strips and chin straps, that reposition your mouth and tongue. You can always give some of these a try and decide what is the best one for you.
House Call Doctor recommends you speak with your regular GP for further advice.
