Snoring
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Snoring is the act of breathing through the open mouth in such a way as to cause a vibration of the uvula and soft palate, thus giving rise to a sound which may vary from a soft noise to a loud unpleasant sound. This most commonly occurs during sleep.
The cause of snoring is some kind of blockage in the breathing passage. Those blockages can be of many kinds—here are just a few:
- Tongue falling into the throat
- Allergies
- Throat weakness causing the throat to close during sleep
- Mispositioned jaw, often caused by tension in muscles
- Fat gathering in, and around, the throat
The list of what can cause snoring is almost endless, but it is always some kind of blockage in the breathing passage.
When the airflow in the breathing passage becomes irregular (because of the blockage) then the soft palate starts flapping. This flapping of the soft palate is what makes the snoring sound.
About sixty percent of men, and thirty percent of women suffer from snoring. This is probably one of the most common dysfunctions known.
Most of the time snoring is considered not dangerous, but if serious it can become a life threatening sickness called sleep apnea.
Even if snoring may not be detrimental to the snorer, it can cause the snorer's bedmate to lose sleep. Being sleepy all day long can also be life threatening for the person and those around them. Also, studies have shown that there is a psychological component in snoring which causes discomfort in any listener, depending on the volume, tone, frequency, and other auditorially measurable qualities of the snore. Studies have shown that there is a direct inverse relationship between snoring and frequency of sexual activity between married partners, meaning that there is generally less sexual activity if one of the partners is a heavy snorer.
Snoring is usually an involuntary act during sleep, but may also be produced voluntarily.
According to Dr. William C Dement, of the Stanford Sleep Center, anyone who snores and has daytime drowsiness should be evaluated for sleep disorders.
The loudest snore on record was 93 decibels.
Cures
Snoring cures almost all revolve around clearing the blockage in the breathing passage. This is the reason snorers are advised to lose weight (to stop fat from pressing on the throat), to stop smoking (smoking weakens and clogs the throat), and to sleep on their side (to prevent the tongue from blocking the throat). But for many snorers those pieces of advice are not enough.
Surgery is one option to cure snoring; dental appliances are another. There are many devices such as nose clips to keep the nose open and jaw mechanics to keep the jaw in the right position. Different aids work for different people.
There is also a less known, but very effective way to stop snoring. It is to exercise the throat, the tongue, and the jaw muscles so the breathing passage will widen and stay open when you sleep. Singing and practicing yoga may be other ways to stop snoring.
External links
- Snoring: Symptoms, Causes, Cures, and Treatment (http://helpguide.org/aging/snoring.htm)
- Snoring from EntNet.org (http://www.entnet.org/healthinfo/snoring/snoring.cfm)
- Snoring self-assessment test and Snoring discussion forum (http://www.snoring.com.au/)
- Snoring advice (http://www.snoringadvises.com)
- Snoring from LucidNet.co.uk (http://www.lucidnet.co.uk/sleep/disorders/snoring.htm)de:Schnarchen