Why, How Snoring Hurts

By Titilayo Kupoliyi

Have you ever had the experience of being disturbed out of sleep by deep noise coming from someone on the same bed with you or from someone next door?

Snoring is the hoarse or harsh sound that occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in your throat, causing the tissues to vibrate as you breathe. Nearly everyone snores now and then, but for some people, it can be a chronic problem. Sometimes it may also indicate a serious health condition. In addition, snoring can be a nuisance to your partner.

Symptoms

Snoring is often associated with a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Not all snorers have OSA, but if snoring is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, it may be an indication to see a doctor for further evaluation for OSA:

• Witnessed breathing pauses during sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Morning headaches
• Sore throat upon awakening
• Restless sleep
• Gasping or choking at night
• High blood pressure
• Chest pain at night
• Your snoring is so loud it’s disrupting your partner’s sleep
• In children, poor attention span, behavioral issues or poor performance in school

OSA often is characterized by loud snoring followed by periods of silence when breathing stops or nearly stops. Eventually, this reduction or pause in breathing may signal you to wake up, and you may awaken with a loud snort or gasping sound.

You may sleep lightly due to disrupted sleep. This pattern of breathing pauses may be repeated many times during the night.

People with obstructive sleep apnea usually experience periods when breathing slows or stops at least five times during every hour of sleep.

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if you have any of the above symptoms. These may indicate your snoring is associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

If your child snores, ask your pediatrician about it. Children can have OSA, too. Nose and throat problems — such as enlarged tonsils — and obesity often can narrow a child’s airway, which can lead to your child developing OSA.

Anyone can develop sleep apnea, including kids. Your risk is increased by a few things.

• A lot of weight. Sleep apnea is considerably heightened by obesity. 
• Breathing difficulties may be caused by fat accumulation around your upper airway.
• The size of the neck. Narrower airways may be present in those with thicker necks.
• Restricted airway. It’s possible that you inherited a narrow throat. Particularly in young children, tonsils or adenoids can potentially grow and obstruct the airway.
• Being a male. Sleep apnea affects men two to three times more frequently than it does women. Women’s risk does, however, appear to rise after menopause and increases if they are overweight.
• Getting older the prevalence of sleep apnea is much higher in older persons.
• Family background. A family history of sleep apnea may make you more susceptible.
• Use of alcohol, tranquilizers, or sedatives. These medications can make obstructive sleep apnea worse by loosening the muscles in your throat.
• Smoking. Obstructive sleep apnea is three times as common among smokers as it is in non-smokers. Smoking can make the upper airway more inflammatory and fluid-retained.
• Nasal blockage Obstructive sleep apnea is more likely to occur in those who have trouble breathing via their nose, due to anatomical issues or allergies.

The benefits of treating sleep apnea

Improve your sleep

You will sleep better if you receive therapy for your snoring and/or sleep apnea. Your regular sleep cycle might be disturbed by both persistent snoring and sleep apnea. For instance, if you have sleep apnea, it means that numerous times during the course of the night, your breathing stops. You gasp for air while your body continues breathing after realizing a problem. Your body reminding you to breathe again is a wonderful thing. Unfortunately, this procedure might interfere with your sleep cycle.

You can awaken from a deep slumber by resuming your breathing. A severe case of sleep apnea may cause you to be repeatedly roused from your sleep cycle and prevent you from getting the rejuvenating sleep you require to perform at your best. By taking care of your sleep problems, you’ll be able to sleep through all the stages uninterrupted.

Feel more awake throughout the day

Taking care of your sleep apnea and/or snoring can make you feel more awake during the day. Many persons with sleep apnea first become aware of this symptom when they find it difficult to stay awake during the day. You will feel exhausted during the day if you are unable to get the type and amount of sleep you require because of snoring or sleep apnea. This may affect your capacity for work, your driving security, and your social life. You’ll feel more alert during the day if you address your sleep apnea and snoring to obtain better sleep.

Boost your health

Many major medical diseases have been linked to sleep apnea. In addition to high blood pressure, heart troubles, and insulin resistance, people with sleep apnea may also have other health problems. Your health can be improved and some of the harmful effects of sleep apnea can be avoided if you get treatment. Additionally, obtaining more rest might provide you with the energy you need to exercise and engage in other activities that will benefit your health.

Boost the connection you value most

The connection with your spouse, which is the most significant one in your life, may suffer as a result of snoring. The inability of your companion to get to sleep and stay asleep can be caused by loud snoring. Allowing your loved one to rest, and treating your snoring, and sleep apnea can enhance your connection. You’ll likely notice a difference in the quality of your relationship when you’re both able to get restful sleep.

The method for diagnosing sleep apnea

A doctor will typically ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history in order to diagnose sleep apnea. Your symptoms and responses will probably lead them to believe that you have sleep apnea, and they will probably want you to get tested.

There are numerous treatment options depending on the precise type and severity of sleep apnea. While none of these are a cure, they can all help avoid apnea episodes or lessen their frequency or severity. 

Your daily (or nocturnal) routine should include a variety of treatments. So long as you continue these therapies, the consequences of sleep apnea on your life may eventually be diminished or even eliminated.

Potential therapies include:

• Alternative (non-medical) therapies.
• Adaptive ventilation devices and positive airway pressure.
• Dental devices (mouthpieces).
• Nerve stimulators
• Surgery.
• Medications (central sleep apnea only) (central sleep apnea only).
• CPAP be sure to speak with your doctor about the benefits of CPAP therapy.

The advantages of treating your sleep apnea and snoring problems outweigh any difficulty associated with getting help. Examining what is available might help you begin the process of investigating treatment options for snoring and sleep apnea.

Mayo Clinic