One of the leading health problems for countless people is snoring.Whether it’s you snoring or your partner you will most likely find that neither one of you is able to get a decent nights sleep!

So what exactly is snoring? It is anything from a mild noise to a loud unpleasant sound resulting from the soft tissues in the back of the throat vibrating, as your lungs work to draw air through narrowed airways.Snoring may br present as long as the person is asleep or it may be that it only happens when they are lying on their back.

While snoring is a very widespread health problem the most severe condition associated with snoring is sleep aponea.Loud, persistant snoring is usually one of the first signs of this disorder.  When a person’s muscles in their throat relax too much closing off the airway while they are sleeping, they will awake, gasping for air.   This can happen anywhere from 30 to 300 times a night and each time it can last up to   ten seconds or longer.  Sleep aponea may also lead to other health problems.  Studies show that during obstructive sleep aponea the oxygen levels in the blood decrease  causing strain on the heart which can lead to further problems like a stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes and eye disease.   Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most common way to treat sleep aponea.  This is a device that helps to keep the airway open during sleep,  however surgery is also another option to consider.

Causes of snoring

If you snore regularly you are more than likely not getting the best nights sleep possible.It is advisable to find the cause of your snoring to enable you to find a solution to stop it.  Causes of snoring are numerous but let’s start with a few of the more simple ones that are easier to rectify.

·         High alcohol consumption, especially before bed

·         Smoking

·         Obesity

·         Sleeping on your back

Some causes of snoring are structural like a narrow jaw, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, small passages or a crooked septum.  Nasal problems can also result in snoring because they cause a narrowing of the passages preventing a free flow of air.Anything from a cold or the flu to sinusitis and allergies may result in snoring.

Ways to Stop Snoring

If you are looking for a way to stop snoring you are not alone!Thousands of others are always searching for ways to help their snoring problem.Embark on a more healthy lifestye by stopping smoking, losing weight and being careful not to drink too much alcohol.These things on their own may be the answer to your difficulty.For many people, simply avoiding sleeping on your back will put an end to snoring.  Having clear nasal passages when you go to bed can also be very helpful.  Many Snoring products are available on the market such as mouth guards, nasal strips, throat sprays and pillows.  Surgery is also an option but the success of these solutions may be dependant on your reason for snoring so make an appointment to see your doctor first.