Snoring

 

It is difficult for air to get into the lungs if a person’s airway becomes partially blocked.  “Extra” air then gets redirected into the mouth, which creates a negative pressure and vibrations that result in snoring.  Snoring always indicates there is some resistance to air getting from the outside in to the lungs.  People that snore often complain of fatigue and sleepiness during the day.  Snoring can also be very disruptive to the sleep of a bed partner.

It is estimated that 45% of all adults snore occasionally and 25% snore routinely.

 

What makes people snore?

• Long uvula

• Long soft palate

• Stuffed or blocked nasal passages

• Deformities of the nose or nasal septum

• Excessively bulky throat tissue

• Poor muscle tone

 

Possible preventive measures:

• Sleeping on the side

• Elevating the head of the bed 4 inches

• Establishing regular sleep patterns

• Avoiding heavy meals within 3 hours of bedtime

• Avoiding alcohol within 4 hours of bedtime

• Avoiding sleeping pills and antihistamines before bedtime

• Proper diet and regular exercise