Snoring Problems and Solutions
Some people only learn
about their snoring problems when another person tells them about it. Most of
the time, a snorer doesn’t even know they snore. Snoring is the sound created when air cannot pass through the airway smoothly.
It is caused by physical obstructions such as big tonsils and bulky throat
tissues.
But how can one get rid
of it?
Lose
Weight
It is not a coincidence
that around 50% of all American adults snore and that 30% of them are overweight.
Being overweight is a primary cause of snoring. Bulky or fatty throat tissues,
along with poorly toned throat muscles, will easily fall back into the throat
to create snoring sounds. Being overweight means more fats around the throat. Poorly
toned throat muscles, on the other hand, are caused by lack of exercise. Since
no specific exercise is designed to lessen fats around the area, a full-body
exercise will have to do. Frequent and regular exercising may also help with
the weight loss, and thus help with the snoring problems.
Open
Up Passages
Swollen throat muscles
may be caused by allergies. These swollen muscles will make for narrow air
passageways, which will then cause the snores. A deviated septum might also be
blamed for snoring. This deformity is associated with sinus infections and
difficulties in breathing, and both of these also act as airway obstructions.
The solution is quite simple: keep the airways wide open.
All of the above
conditions are characterized by narrowed airways, and all of them can be solved
by keeping the walls of the airways from touching.
Nasal
strips aim to do this.
Other nasal devices and
medication can be used, but going in for a hot shower before bedtime can help
as well.
Get
Rid of Habits That Worsen Snoring
Simple things can sometimes
provide the best relief. In this case, some changes in habit and routine will
help stop the problem. Stay hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water.
This will not only improve the condition, but will have several other benefits
as well. Refrain from drinking alcoholic drinks, especially before bed time. Alcohol
and sedatives may let you sleep better at night, but these will relax even your
throat muscles and worsen snoring.
Smoking
is also a factor.
This habit will
irritate the passageways with chemicals. A study performed in 2004 concluded
that more than 24% of smokers snore and at least 20% of those who used to smoke
snore. The study also showed that even secondhand smoke will have significant
effects.
Is
It Sleep Apnea?
Mild snoring may not
have many serious physical and emotional effects. Snoring with sleep apnea is a
different thing altogether. Sufferers of this condition will experience
physical, emotional as well as mental effects. Snoring problems may initially
present themselves through excessive daytime sleepiness even after enough hours
of sleep. They will have to suffer from irritability, inattention,
forgetfulness, restlessness and loss of concentration. When treating snoring
problems, it is very important to make sure that it is not sleep apnea you
should be treating. Sleep apnea is much more serious, and seeking the advice of
a medical professional will be a good idea.
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