Health Risks of Snoring | What It Says About Your Health?

23 Dec Health Risks of Snoring | What It Says About Your Health?

Snoring is common and certainly not the most flattering thing. 

Around 45% of people snore sometimes and 25% snore all the time. Moreover, men snore more than women. 

We all snore at some point of time in our lives, but that doesn’t mean snoring is acceptable or something not to be worried about.

So, what causes snoring?

Snoring could be an indicator of a severe medical condition and could be because of a decline in oxygen level, low heart rate, and even high BP.

Snoring occurs because of the vibration of the soft tissues in the upper airway which happens because of the in and out circulation of the air from the lungs. 

Moreover, it also happens because of a narrow airway. 

And as mentioned earlier, while snoring is natural, embarrassing, annoying, and common, it could also be an indicator of a health problem. 

Yes, you read that right!

So, what does snoring say about your health?

Is it really bad to snore?

Here’s all you need to know about snoring and health. 

What Snoring Says About Your Health?

If snoring is keeping you or your partner awake at night, it’s time to pay attention and ponder over what snoring says about your health.

In general, snoring is often regarded as a sign of deep sleep. And usually, it is not detrimental. 

So, is snoring normal for adults?

Well, around 57% of adult men and nearly 40% of women snore. So, yes, it is common in adults. 

Nevertheless, snoring is never a piece of good news; neither for you nor for your bed partner. 

Well, although snoring itself is not a sickness, it could be a symptom of some health risks:

1. Daytime fatigue and sleepiness
2. Sleep apnea
3. Blacked upper airway and enlarged tonsils
4. Endocrine related disorders
5. Obesity or sudden weight gain

Moreover, we have studies to confirm how snoring is dangerous for you.

STUDY:

Objective: According to this study, snoring could be more than a common bedtime annoyance. Even if it’s not sleep apnea, it may cause thickening of the carotid artery.

Furthermore, the study indicates changes in the carotid artery among snorers and even those without sleep apnea. 

Method: Data of 913 patients aged between 18-50 years were evaluated by the institution’s sleep center. 

None of the patients were dealing with sleep apnea. Out of all, 54 patients completed the snore outcome survey and went for carotid artery duplex ultrasound to measure the intima-media thickness of the carotid arteries.

Results: The study finds that, as compared to non-snorers, snorers have a significantly greater thickness of the carotid artery. 

Hence, snoring could be more than merely an annoyance for some and need to be treated.

A night of good sleep is a very big part of healthy living and snoring could be a part of sleep disorder and other health issues.

Here’s more on what snoring says about your health.

#1. A Sign Of Fatigue

Snoring could be an indicator of poor sleep and a tiring daily routine. Daytime sleepiness, falling asleep anytime, and feeling lazy could be the reasons behind your snoring habit. 

So, if you’re feeling fatigued and snoring as well, it’s time to take some rest and relax. 

#2. It May Be Sleep Apnea

This is probably the second most common thing that comes to mind after deep sleep when someone talks about snoring. 

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that stops and starts when you are still sleeping. 

This sleep-related breathing disorder causes people to gasp for air and even choke in their sleep. 

#3. Enlarged Tonsils

Snoring happens because of the blocked upper airway and, as a matter of fact, tonsils and adenoids are also placed near the upper airways.

Hence, enlarged tonsils and adenoids can also block the airway and can cause you to snore. 

Therefore, tonsil might be one of the underlying issues behind your snoring. 

#4. Endocrine Disorder

Who would have thought that hormones released by endocrine glands could mess up your breathing? 

Well, hyperthyroidism and hypogonadism are two conditions that can lead to sleep apnea, resulting in snoring. 

While the former is characterized by a low level of thyroid and acromegaly, the latter is a decrease in testosterone production which when treated with testosterone replacement treatment causes sleep apnea. 

Notably, hypogonadism is what causes snoring in males in their early ages.

#5. Obesity

If nothing, then obesity might be something snoring is trying to get your attention at. 

Obese people are likely to be more susceptible to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). 

The fat deposited around the neck and chest area can create a blockage in the upper airway and restrict the smooth flow of air causing snoring. 

So, you better keep a check on your BMI if you want to sleep better. 

And while you can regulate a few factors like drinking and BMI, there are certain factors that are beyond your control and need professional help. 

Moreover, when snoring crosses the line of being merely annoying, it is a sign of a potentially serious problem. The side effects of snoring could create havoc in your body. 

Have a look at why exactly is snoring bad for your health!

What Are The Effects Of Snoring?

Immaterial of what causes snoring in females and males, it is crucial to know about snoring health risks to save yourself and your loved ones from the ill effects of snoring. 

Some of the snoring health risks include:

1. Choking due to air blockage
2. Irregular sleep cycles
3. Headache
4. Irregular heart rhythm
5. Mental health problems

#1. Choking And Gasping For Air

Snoring causes irregular breathing, and chronic snoring can undoubtedly lead to choking. 

Moreover, sleep apnea is potentially a serious sleep-related disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts, making it difficult for the individual to breathe. 

This abnormal breathing disorder can make you gasp for air while sleeping. 

If you witness your partner or your loved one gasping for more than 10 seconds, he/she might be dealing with a sleep disorder.

#2. Disturbed Sleep

This is a very obvious side effect of snoring. 

Snoring causes you to wake at several intervals, disrupting the sleep cycle. 

Not having a sound sleep can cause fatigue and tiredness and disturb your whole routine. 

Moreover, a disturbed sleep cycle can also affect your body’s circadian rhythm, thereby causing a lot of mood swings for you. 

#3. Chronic Headaches

If you often wake up with chronic headaches, you need to check in with your sleeping habits. If you are snoring, and you often wake up at night, headaches are inevitable. 

Irregular breathing also causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream which could also be the reason behind chronic headaches among snorers.

#4. Irregular Heart Rhythm

Believe it or not, snoring can mess up your heart as well. 

Yes, it is true. 

Arrhythmia is among one the dangerous side effects of snoring. 

Arrhythmias can occur irrespective of the level of snorer you are. It occurs when the heart’s rhythm becomes too fast, slow, or just irregular. 

The combination of interrupted breathing and inconsistent heart rhythm can be destructive. 

#5. Mental Health Issues

Since sleep disruptions, lack of sleep, and headaches are all side effects of snoring, poor mental health is inevitable. 

This is the side effect of snoring which is not related to your physical body. 

Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and panic attacks can be seen in a person with a poor sleep cycle, which could be the result of snoring.

The way your body reacts to snoring and sleep disturbances may vary from person to person.

And even though many consider snoring to be normal, sometimes when things go beyond your control, you need to seek professional help and go for proper treatment.

How Is Snoring Treated?

Treatments for snoring depend on how serious your condition is. 

While sometimes snoring can be treated with some mild changes in lifestyle, at other times surgery is required to get rid of snoring.

Based on that, the treatments of snoring are divided into two parts:

1. Non-Surgical Treatment
2. Surgical Treatment

Non-Surgical Treatment

The non-surgical remedies for snoring include:

1. Lifestyle Changes

Making some lifestyle changes can help you get rid of snoring. Some of the steps you need to take include: 

• Limiting the alcohol intake
• Avoiding alcohol before bed
• Improving the sleeping position
• Maintaining a healthy weight

 2. Nasal Strips

This is a really good remedy for those wondering how to stop snoring immediately.

Nasal strips are the most convenient and most popular way of reducing snoring. 

These flexible bands stick outside your nose and help keep the nasal passage open for free flow of air leading to better sleep. 

3. Anti-Snoring Pillows

Anti-Snoring pillows align your neck in a certain way that clears the airway and reduces snoring. 

4. Oral Appliances

Oral appliances are gaining popularity these days. 

Wearing oral appliances or anti-snoring devices keeps your jaw in a proper position so that your upper airway stays blockage-free and allows you to sleep more and snore less. 

5. Medications

Allergy and cold medications sometimes work wonders when it comes to controlling snoring. 

However, it is strictly recommended not to take these medicines without professional consultation. 

Surgical Treatment

In several cases, snoring needs to be treated with surgery.

That is to say, sometimes extra tissues are required to be removed or structural issues need to be taken care of, and for that, small incisions are required. 

Surgical treatment for snoring includes:

1. Septoplasty – This procedure improves the airflow through the nose by improving the deviated septum of the nose. 
2. Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) – LAPU procedure removes the tissue from the soft palate and improves airflow. 
3. Somnoplasty – Also called radiofrequency ablation, this technique shrinks the tissues from the tongue and soft palate using radiofrequency and helps you breathe better.
4. Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy – In this procedure, extra tissues are removed from the back of the nose or from the back of the throat.

While sometimes devices help, in case of anatomical issues like enlarged tonsils and excess tissue, surgery is required. 

And now if you are wondering can snoring be prevented and if yes, then how to prevent snoring in the first place, we’ve got it covered for you. 

Can Snoring Be Prevented?

Yes, snoring can be prevented.

Different people snore because of different reasons. And in case the reason is not related to anything anatomical, you can prevent snoring by following some habits.

1. Stay active and avoid daytime sleeping habits.
2. Make some changes in your room like using dim light and light music for sound sleep. 
3. Sleep on your side rather than your back. 
4. Maintain a healthy weight. 
5. Practice some mouth exercises to stop snoring.
6. Try an anti-snoring pillow for keeping your neck at the proper angle so that you get the unrestricted flow of air. 
7. Quit smoking and drinking.
8. Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep.
9. Avoid taking sedatives before you sleep.
10. Practice good sleep hygiene.

Well, prevention is better than cure, you see. 

Try to use caution before you go for treatments. Because if you are wondering “is snoring every night normal”, then no, my dear, it is not. 

Whatever the reason may be, be it tiredness, alcohol, excess weight, tonsil, or allergies, snoring is not good and you need to take the required steps to get rid of it. 

Before You Snore!

Snoring causes and effects vary from person to person. But what’s important is to consider what snoring says about your health. 

Most of the time it’s nothing serious, but just the result of a tiring day. But if snoring has become your habit, you need to get it checked to avoid any severe health issues. 

It is possible that you might get rid of snoring just by making some minor changes in your lifestyle and sleeping positions.

However, if nothing works, surgery might be the answer. 

Just remember…

Falling asleep as soon as you hit the bed is good but snoring immediately after falling asleep is a complete NO! NO!

Irregular breathing, while you are off to the dreamland, is not something you can take for granted!

Hope you liked this blog. 

If you are someone who is dealing with snoring and have been trying to get rid of it, please share your experience with us in the comments section below.