What is snoring?

Snoring is defined as “…breathing during sleep with hoarse or harsh sounds as caused by the vibrating of the soft palate.”

Why do we snore?

When you inhale during sleep, your soft palate, uvula, or both, may vibrate against the back of the throat or the base of your tongue, producing the vibration noise we refer to as snoring. The vibration is caused by the fluttering of loose tissue as you breathe, making inhalation more difficult. If you snore, it is a clear sign that your breathing passage is constantly blocked, resulting in abnormal breathing. Depending on the amount of air passing through the breathing passage and the speed at which the throat is vibrating, snoring may be extremely loud, soft as a whisper, or somewhere in between.

Who snores?

The National Sleep Foundation’s (NSF) 2002 Sleep in America Poll revealed that 37% of adults report they had snored at least a few nights a week during the previous year. In fact, 27% said that they snore every night or almost every night. Males were more likely than females to report snoring at least a few nights a week (42% vs. 31%).
NSF’s 2003 poll, which focused on older adults between the ages of 55-84, reveals that about one-third of older adults overall (32%) report they had snored at least a few nights a week in the past year, with about four in ten 55-64 year-olds (41%) most likely to have said they snore compared to about one-fourth of 65-74 year-olds (28%) and 75-84 year-olds (22%). Men were significantly more likely than women to report snoring at least a few nights a week (40% vs. 26%).

What causes snoring?

Anatomical factors are a very common cause. Examples include obesity, a
large tongue and or uvula, a flabby soft palate, and a narrow or partially
blocked airway. It has also been observed that being overweight and having
a relatively large neck size is highly correlated to snoring.
Other causes include respiratory illnesses, and pre-bedtime alcohol
consumption. Additionally, certain medications can cause snoring.

click to learn about diagnosis and treatment options.

 

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ways to help
prevent snoring

• Weight loss. The reduction of fat deposits in the throat can provide a more spacious airway

• Improve nasal breathing by using a nasal strip that gently opens your nostrils

• Dental appliances can be fabricated and have proven to be highly effective

• Sleeping on your side with a pillow is the preferable position to help alleviate snoring

• Avoiding alcohol and cigarettes. Alcohol relaxes muscles in the airway. Smoking is associated with nasal congestion. Both factors contribute to snoring.

• Ask your doctor for recommendations, so he or she can address your specific snoring situation

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