5 Reasons You May Be Snoring

5 Reasons You May Be Snoring

Snoring is an incredibly common issue that affects many people. Not only can it be disruptive for the people sleeping next to you, but it can be downright uncomfortable for you. It can disturb your sleep, and even give you the impression that you’re choking. 

And while it may seem nothing more than annoyance, the truth is that it could be a sign of a serious medical condition. If you’re ready to find out the reason behind your snoring, then here are some potential reasons.

You Have a Deviated Septum

If you have an obstructed nasal airflow, this can make it difficult for air to pass through your nostrils. This forces you to breathe through your mouth, and results in snoring in many cases. You may require surgery if it is in fact a deviated septum. It can also cause a stuffy nose which can exacerbate the problem even further.

Your Sleeping Position

In some cases it may be as simple as the way you’re laying down. If you’re laying on your back, it can cause your tongue to collapse to the back of your throat, resulting in a nice big snore. If you notice that you wake up snoring often, try to pay attention to how you’re laying. If you’re indeed on your back, try to train yourself to turn to your side. This won’t just improve the quality of your sleep, but it will also improve the quality of your partner’s sleep.

Being Overweight

In some cases excess weight may be causing the snores. Extra weight, particularly when it’s around your neck and chest, can put pressure on your airways consequently leading to snoring. 

While the obvious solution is to lose weight, it may not always be that simple. However, if your weight is causing problems beyond simply snoring, then it may be worth putting in the work to get in shape.

Alcohol

Even though that nightcap may seem innocent, the truth is that it may be affecting your sleep.  Although it helps you fall asleep faster, and enter an extremely deep sleep almost immediately, it could be leading to snoring. Alcohol relaxes your muscles, including the ones in your throat which can lead to a loud snore. Try to avoid drinking alcohol for at least two hours before bed.

Perhaps most importantly is remembering never to mix alcohol with sedatives. This won’t just increase your likelihood of snoring, but it could be incredibly dangerous.  Always talk to your doctor about alternatives if you’re having trouble sleeping.

Sleep Apnea

Lastly, sleep apnea may be a play. Unfortunately, sleep apnea is a serious medical condition where your breathing stops and starts repeatedly while sleeping. It’s important that you consult with your doctor and determine whether sleep apnea is indeed the cause, and whether you might be a good candidate for a CPAP machine.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.