One of the considerable health issues for millions of 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 be present the entire time a person sleeps or only in a certain position such as lying on their back.

While snoring is a very universal health problem the most severe condition associated with snoring is sleep aponea.   Loud, constant snoring is often one of the first signs of this condition.  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 occur from 30 to 300 times during the night and each incident can last up to ten seconds or longer.Sleep aponea may also result in other heath issues.  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 think about.

Causes of snoring

If you snore regularly you are probably 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 as they cause the passages to narrow, thus preventing a free flow of air.  Anything from the common cold or flu to allergies or sinusitis can cause problems.

Ways to Stop Snoring

If you are looking for a way to stop snoring you are not alone!  Countless others are always looking for solutions 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 alone may be the answer to your problem.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.There are numerous anti snoring products available to people such as nasal strips, throat aprays, mouth guards 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.