Snoring is a common condition that can occur in anyone but is more frequently seen in overweight men. As people age, snoring tends to become more pronounced. Occasional snoring is not considered a serious health issue and generally does not affect quality of life. However, if it becomes habitual, it can reduce sleep quality and lead to fatigue during the day. Snoring occurs when airflow through the mouth and nose is partially blocked during sleep.
Causes of Snoring
Snoring is typically caused by obstruction of airflow through the nose or mouth during sleep. This blockage can result from a variety of reasons, including lifestyle factors and anatomical or medical conditions:
Deviated nasal septum
Nasal polyps
Nasal congestion due to allergies
Weak muscle tone in the throat or tongue
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
Excess tissue in the throat (commonly seen in overweight individuals)
An unusually long soft palate and/or uvula
The likelihood of snoring increases with age and, in some cases, it may signal more serious health issues. If snoring becomes regular and affects your sleep quality, it is important to consult a doctor.
Health Risks Associated with Snoring
When snoring becomes habitual, it may lead to serious health risks such as sleep apnea — a condition characterized by short pauses in breathing during sleep. Problems caused by sleep apnea include:
Frequent awakenings (even if unnoticed)
Light, non-restorative sleep and inability to enter deep sleep
Low oxygen levels in the blood
Chronic headaches
Coughing or choking during sleep
Weight gain
Daytime drowsiness and fatigue
Long-term untreated sleep apnea can also contribute to high blood pressure and heart enlargement.
Treatment of Snoring
The first step in treating snoring is making lifestyle changes such as losing weight, eating healthily, avoiding medications before bedtime, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Elevating the head of the bed by about 10 cm can also help improve airflow in the airways.
If lifestyle changes are not effective, your doctor may prescribe nasal steroid sprays or nasal strips to ease breathing.
In cases where snoring is caused by a physical blockage, surgical intervention may be required depending on the underlying cause.