Snoring often results in poor sleep.
If your snoring is keeping your partner or members of your household awake at night, they are not the only ones whose sleep is suffering. Snoring reduces the quality of the snorer's sleep as well.
Why Snoring Causes Poor Sleep
When you sleep, the muscles in the throat, tongue and mouth relax, causing partial blockage of the airway. Nasal blockages and congestion can also impede the airway. Airway blockage results in restless and interrupted sleep.
What Causes Snoring?
Snoring can be caused by physical blockages of the airway, but it can be aggravated by factors such as being overweight, consuming alcohol or other sedatives before bedtime, or eating large meals before bed.
Is Snoring a Medical Problem?
If you snore and have difficulty staying awake during the day, or if you have frequent headaches or dizziness, your snoring may be a sign of a more serious problem such as sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious condition in which the throat tissues obstruct the airway and prevent breathing for periods of 10 seconds or more. A symptom of sleep apnea is loud snoring followed by periods of silence when the airway is constricted. The lack of oxygen signals the brain to wake up. This pattern can repeat many times over the course of the night.
When to See a Doctor
If your snoring is resulting in poor sleep or daytime sleepiness, see a doctor to determine whether medical intervention is needed.
Tags: your snoring, Poor Sleep, sleep apnea