Snoring: what causes it and how dangerous it can become for health

Snoring affects about 50% of adult men and 40% of women. Of these, a quarter is considered normal snoring. About 10-12% of children also snore. Snoring itself is usually considered a harmless - albeit very annoying - phenomenon, but for some people it indicates a more serious underlying medical condition or sleep disorder. Snoring is the noise caused during sleep by the vibration of the soft tissues, mainly of the pharynx, during the passage of air from the narrow lumen of the upper respiratory tract, mainly during the inhalation phase. This noise is usually low frequency, repetitive, and its intensity ranges from 30 to 100 decibels. It may, in fact, be accompanied by episodes of cessation of breathing and oxygenation, known as apneas or hypopneas. So for some people, heavy snoring indicates the presence of sleep apnea, a breathing disorder that causes people to have difficulty breathing during sleep. Snoring is considered the main symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition attributed to a physical obstruction that limits breathing activity in the upper airway. About 2-9% of adults live with sleep apnea. Episodes involving complete loss of airflow are called apnea, while episodes with reduced airflow are known as hypopnea. Snoring may accompany episodes of apnea-hypopnea or occur independently during the night. Excessive daytime sleepiness, extreme exhaustion, and mood swings are common symptoms for both sleep apnea sufferers and those who simply snore. Breathing disorders during sleep can be caused by the following factors:

• Obesity: Obese people may be more susceptible because of fat that accumulates around the neck and narrows the upper airway.
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids: Because of their location around the upper airway, tonsils and adenoids can both block the upper airway if they are large enough. For many children with apnea, removing the tonsils will help relieve their symptoms.
• Endocrine disorders: The endocrine system releases hormones that can affect breathing during sleep. Hypothyroidism, a condition characterized by low levels of thyroid hormone, and acromegaly, which causes high levels of growth hormone, are associated with sleep apnea.
• Genetic syndromes: Certain genetic syndromes affect the way the face and jaw are structured, leading to airway restriction. Some examples include cleft palate, Down syndrome, and congenital central hypoventilation syndrome.
• Based on testing for at least five episodes of apnea-hypopnea per hour, about 24% of men and 7% of women live with sleep apnea. Obese people and the elderly are considered higher risks. It is also believed that drinking alcohol or sedatives before bed can worsen symptoms.
• Central sleep apnea, which occurs when the brain can't properly signal the muscles that control breathing, can also cause snoring, but this is less common. In addition, sleep-related bruxism—also known as nocturnal teeth grinding—is associated with snoring, particularly in children.

Other causes of snoring

• Alcohol consumption and drugs that induce sleep
• Chronic nasal congestion or obstruction
• Anatomy of the jaw area
• Pregnancy
• Postmenopausal state
• A non-supportive layer

How can the mattress be connected to causing snoring? Snoring happens if your airway becomes partially blocked while you sleep. This is usually because your slouched position causes the tissue in your throat to relax, making your breathing rumble. However, this can be exacerbated if your head is not properly supported while resting. Your lower jaw then opens, further blocking your airway and causing the sound to start even louder. If your mattress does not adequately support the curve of your back and neck, it could directly cause your snoring. One of the main reasons why your mattress may not provide enough support for your spine is because it is too soft. While super plush mattresses may seem like the most comfortable option, they may not provide adequate spinal support. Similarly, if your mattress is more than seven years old, it has probably begun to break down, meaning it no longer helps your spine align properly while you rest. How to deal with snoring In order to prevent snoring and improve your sleep, you need to make sure that your mattress conforms to the curve of your spine. Regardless of your preferred sleeping position, your spine should be kept straight to keep your airways clear. In particular, your mattress should support your neck and head, to keep your breathing unhindered. If your mattress sags too much, to improve it try turning it over to find more support or better yet buy a new mattress. Aside from the right mattress of course, you can reduce your snoring by making certain lifestyle changes. These include losing weight, avoiding alcohol, smoking and sedatives. Since nasal congestion can cause snoring, treatment with decongestants or corticosteroid sprays can be effective if your doctor approves them. People who see their doctor for snoring can also be evaluated for sleep apnea. The exam may include an examination of the nose and mouth to check for physical obstruction, as well as other warning signs such as nasal polyps, a displaced jaw, or enlarged tonsils. Snoring mouth guards have been shown to be effective for some people. Tongue Retaining Devices (TRDs) form a seal around the tongue and hold it in place. These devices can relieve snoring for people whose tongues tend to fall to the back of their throats when they sleep. Jaw advancement devices (MADs) naturally move the tongue and jaw forward, allowing for maximum airflow. *Article compiled with data from the Sleep Foundation , validated by leading health media OneCare **The scientific data of the article has been edited by Dr. Anis Rehman , Endocrinologist & Metabolism Specialist