Overview
The harsh sound that occurs when airflow in your throat gets obstructed due to relaxed tissues in the throat is most commonly known as snoring. It is caused by the vibrating tissues as you breathe in your sleep. Almost everyone snores a little now and then, but it can be chronic for some people. On the other hand, it might also indicate a more serious health condition. In addition, snoring can also disturb your partner’s sleep.
Several changes in your lifestyle, such as maintain healthy body weight, avoiding alcohol before bedtime or sleeping on your side, can help you to stop snoring. Also, there are several medical devices and treatments that can also help with your snoring. However, these are not always suitable or necessary for everyone who snores.
Symptoms
Snoring can often be associated with a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea or OSA. Here are few of the symptom of that come with snoring, can be a very strong indication of Obstructive Sleep Apnea:
- Frequent breathing pauses during sleep
- Excessive sleepiness during daytime
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headaches in the morning
- Sore throat after sleep
- Restless sleep
- Gasping or choking at night
- High blood pressure
- Chest pain at night
- Loud enough snoring to disrupt other’s sleep
- In children, poor attention span, behavioural issues
Immediately seek for a Sleep Apnea Treatment in Singapore if you have any of the above-mentioned symptoms. These might be very strong indications your snoring is associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Risk Factors
There are several risk factors that may contribute to your snoring which includes but in no way are limited to:
- Men are more prone to snoring or have sleep apnea than the female counterpart.
- Overweight- It is found that people who are overweight or obese are more likely to have a chronic snore or have obstructive sleep apnea.
- Consumption of alcohol- Alcohol relaxes the muscles in your throat which increases the risk of snoring.
- Having nasal problems- If your airway has a structural defect, such as a deviated septum, or you have a chronically congested nose, your risk of snoring is far greater.
- If you are having a family history of snoring or obstructive sleep apnea, your chances of having the same are far more significant Heredity is a potential risk factor for OSA.
Complications
Habitual and chronic snoring might be more than just a nuisance. Apart from disrupting your bed partner’s sleep, if snoring is associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, you may be at risk for other complications, which include:
- Daytime sleepiness
- Frequent agitation or anger
- Fragile concentration
- A greater risk of having higher blood pressure, heart conditions and stroke
- There is also an increased risk of behaviour problems, such as aggression or difficulty in learning problems, in children diagnosed with OSA.
- A higher risk of motor vehicle accidents due to lack of sleep.