Snoring – Starting with the Basics

To start this blog, let’s go through a few of the basics concepts, causes, and treatments for one of the most common affliction known to mankind – snoring.

What exactly is snoring?

Webster defines snoring as

breathing during sleep with a rough hoarse noise due to vibration of the soft palate

In this definition there are two key points:

• breathing during sleep – Most people will not snore while they are awake, though there are some rare exceptions, which we will cover at a later time.

• due to vibration of the soft palate – This key is where we will find most of the treatments and cures focusing on.

What are some common causes of snoring?

Snoring is usually caused by some kind of blockage in the airway. This blockage can be anywhere between the tip of the nose and the vocal chords.

The more narrowed your airway is, the more forceful the airflow will become. As your palate relaxes, normally while sleeping, this forceful airflow results in snoring. Things that can aggravate the snoring include an already low, thick and soft palate, and enlarged tonsils.

Your lifestyle can also cause increased snoring.

Heavy alcohol consumption, especially just before bed time, can cause an increased softening of the palate.

Obesity is another major contributor to having a problem with snoring.

So what can I do about my snoring? Is there a cure?

First let me assure you that snoring is typically not a dangerous condition, though there are other factors that can point to serious problems. For the most part, snoring is more an annoyance and a frustrating condition. It not only disrupts the snorers life, but also the partner that sleeps alongside and in many instances anyone who sleeps anywhere in the house.

There are numerous products out there to help you stop snoring. Some deal with the physical reasons for snoring while others tackle the lifestyle causes of snoring. Different products have had success with some people, but not everyone. I wish I could say that there is a one size fits all solution, but there isn’t. This website will review some of these products in the future, and help you make up your mind if you want to try any of the methods.

Surgery may hold the last chance to stop your snoring. This should not be taken lightly, and I would recommend you try at least a few of the non-invasive methods prior to electing surgery. However, as always, it is a good idea to get your doctor involved early after you make the determination to try to stop snoring.

Until next time…sleep well!

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.