Many factors can affect how we breathe and sleep quality, including sinusitis. These factors can result in snoring, a common cause of poor sleep. Severe snoring may cause you to wake up unexpectedly and frequently. Snoring is much more common in men than women and can occur at any age. As you age, snoring can worsen. Understanding the various causes of snoring Houston can help you determine the extent of your problem and the ideal intervention and treatment. Below are some of the common snoring causes.
1. Sleep Position
Snoring often occurs when you lie on your back (supine position). When you lie on your back, the surrounding tissues in your airway are pulled down by gravity, making the airway much narrower. Learning about the various sleeping positions and finding the one suiting your situation can help avoid snoring.
2. Nasal Problems
Blocked nasal airways make it difficult to breathe through your nose. Although this can be caused by the flu or cold, some people also snore due to allergies or sinus infections. Problems in your nose, such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum, can also lead to blockage of your airways. Regular nasal congestion may become habitual even after the flu or cold goes away, making the snoring the order as you sleep.
3. Alcohol and sedatives
There is a connection between alcohol, sedatives, and snoring. Alcoholic beverages and some medications cause snoring by relaxing the throat muscles (particularly the epiglottis) and jaw. This blocks the airway, resulting in disturbed sleep and snoring. Alcohol consumption can either cause or lead to louder snoring.
4. Excess weight
Weight gain and obesity can lead to snoring. Your throat and neck may have extra tissues. This can lead to a reduced airway size and an increased vulnerability to airway collapse. Through weight loss, overweight individuals may reduce their snoring.
5. Sleep apnea
Not every individual who snores has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Nonetheless, most people with OSA snore. Snoring is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea. Other sleep apnea symptoms include insomnia, restless sleep, difficulty breathing when sleeping, and morning headaches.
Most people with sleep apnea snore loudly, with intervals of silence as breathing stops. When they resume breathing, it can sound like they are snorting or gasping for air. Luckily, there are various treatments for OSA, including lifestyle changes, devices like continuous positive airway pressure, and surgery.
6. Pregnancy
Pregnant women are likely to snore. Snoring is a typical nighttime problem during pregnancy and is expected to happen during the final trimester. Luckily, for most women, this is a temporary habit, and there are various ways to reduce the noise. Snoring is caused by congestion and narrowing of the nasal passages. Changes in hormonal levels dilate blood vessels and cause mucous membranes to swell in your nose.
7. Smoking
People who smoke may experience upper airway inflammation and edema, resulting in snoring. Quitting smoking has been shown to reduce snoring with time.
8. Family history
Snoring can run in families. If you have a parent who snores, you are much more likely to snore.
9. Poor tongue and throat muscle tone
When the tongue and throat muscles relax, they collapse into the airway. This results in snoring due to the blockage of the nasal passages.
Several factors cause snoring, from blockage of the nasal passage to some lifestyle habits. Snoring can be overwhelming as it denies you the joy of having a restful night’s sleep. Call Houston Sinus Surgery to learn more about snoring and the available remedies.
