Do you also snore at night? (Snoring) - Is this normal? Or is it a sign of a serious illness?

Do you feel like you slept well at night, but when you wake up in the morning, you feel very tired? Do you often fall asleep during the day, even when you are working? Does someone in your family joke that "you snore like a train at night"? Perhaps this snoring is disrupting your sleep, as well as theirs. Many people think that snoring is normal, and some even think that it is a sign of good sleep. But is all snoring really that simple? Let's talk about this today.

Simply put, what is snoring?

Snoring is a harsh, raspy sound that comes from our airways while we are sleeping. Imagine, if you slightly constrict one of the bronchi and inflate it, it makes a sound, right? That's what happens. When we breathe, air goes into the lungs through the nose, mouth, and throat. If for some reason this airway becomes narrowed or obstructed, the soft tissues in the throat start to vibrate as the air passes through it. That's the sound we call snoring .

What are the symptoms of someone who snores?

The sound of snoring varies from person to person. For some people, the sound is a very soft vibration. For others, it may be a snoring, whistling, or a loud growl. In addition to this sound, a person who snores may experience several other symptoms.

Why do we snore? What are the reasons for this?

As we discussed earlier, the main cause of snoring is an obstruction in the airway. There can be many reasons for this obstruction.

Anatomy

Some people are more likely to snore because of the way their bodies are positioned.

• Enlarged Tonsils or Adenoids: If the tonsils at the back of the throat or the adenoids at the back of the nose are enlarged, they can block the airway. This is a major cause of snoring in young children.
• Long Soft Palate: If the soft part of the mouth, which is located at the top of the throat, is too long, it can narrow the airway.
• Deviated Septum: If the cartilage that separates the two nostrils is deviated, it can make it difficult to breathe on one side and cause snoring.
• Large tongue: Some people have a larger than normal tongue, which can cause the tongue to move backward and block the airway, especially when sleeping on your back.

Lifestyle-related causes

Our daily habits also have a big impact on snoring.

• Weight gain: As you gain weight, fat accumulates, especially around the neck. This can cause the airway to become blocked and increase the likelihood of snoring. This risk is higher in people with a body mass index (BMI) of over 25.
• Alcohol and sleeping pills: Alcohol and some sleeping pills relax the muscles in our body. This includes the muscles in our throat. When they relax too much , the airway becomes more likely to become blocked. That's why people who drink alcohol before going to bed snore more.
• Sleeping position: When you sleep, especially on your back , gravity causes the tongue and soft palate to move to the back of your throat, partially blocking your airway. This is a major cause of snoring.

Other reasons

• Aging: As we age, our body's muscle tone decreases. When the muscles in our throat weaken, we are more likely to have difficulty breathing.
• Gender: Snoring is more common in men than women. This is because men's airways are naturally slightly narrower than women's.
• Family history: Snoring can also be hereditary. If your parents snore, you are more likely to snore too.
• Nasal congestion: When our nose is blocked due to things like colds and allergies, we have to breathe through our mouths. This increases the chances of snoring.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and fluid accumulation during pregnancy can cause the nasal tissues to swell and obstruct breathing.

When should we be concerned about snoring? The dangerous condition called Sleep Apnea!

Although normal snoring is not much of a problem, some snoring can be a major symptom of a serious condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) .

Simply put, Sleep Apnea is when breathing stops for a few seconds or even a minute and then starts again. This happens when the muscles in your throat relax completely during sleep, completely blocking your airway. This causes a sudden decrease in the amount of oxygen that reaches your brain and other organs. This lack of oxygen causes your brain to send a "wake up" signal, jolting you awake and forcing you to start breathing again. This can happen hundreds of times throughout the night, but you won't remember anything about it in the morning.

These are the symptoms that may indicate that your snoring is due to Sleep Apnea:

• If you snort very loudly, all the time.
• If family members say that you feel suffocated during sleep, struggle to breathe, or wake up startled.
• Even if you sleep all night, you still feel sleepy and extremely tired in the morning.
• If you experience uncontrollable sleepiness during the day (e.g. while working, talking, driving).
• If you wake up in the morning with a severe headache.
• If you have high blood pressure.

How does a doctor find the cause of snoring?

When you go to see a doctor to talk about snoring, he will first ask you and possibly your partner a few questions.

• How long have you been snoring?
• What does snoring sound like?
• Do you feel like you're suffocating in your sleep?
• Do you feel sleepy during the day?

Then, your throat, mouth, and nose will be examined. This can help determine if your tonsils are enlarged or if you have a lump in your nose.

Sleep Study

If your doctor suspects you have sleep apnea, they may recommend a sleep study , or in medical terms, a polysomnography . This may be done with a device that you can do at home, or you may need to stay overnight in a special unit in the hospital.

This test measures the following while you sleep:

• Brain wave activity
• Breathing pattern (number and duration of breath stops)
• Heart rate and blood oxygen level
• How to move your limbs during sleep
• Snoring pattern and sound

This information can help you determine the exact cause of your snoring and whether it is a serious condition like Sleep Apnea.

What are the treatments for snoring?

Treatment for snoring depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Treatment can be divided into two categories: non-surgical and surgical.

Things we can do to prevent or reduce snoring

Even before seeing a doctor, there are a few simple things you can try to reduce snoring.

• Sleep on your side: Instead of sleeping on your back, try sleeping on your side. You can also do this by placing a pillow behind your back.
• Keep your head elevated: Use an extra pillow to elevate your head about four inches. This will help keep your airway open.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Losing weight is one of the best treatments for snoring. A balanced diet and regular exercise are also important.
• Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills before bed: Avoid taking these at least 4-5 hours before bedtime, as they relax the muscles in your throat.
• Keep your nose clean: If your nose is stuffy, clean it thoroughly before going to bed. If necessary, consult a doctor and use a nasal spray.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking can cause swelling in the airways and increase snoring.

Snoring, Sleep, Sleep Apnea, Breathing, Sleep apnea, Health