What is snoring? – Snoring refers to a grumbling sound made by some people when they are sleeping. This occurs as a result of partial obstruction of the windpipe (airway) that carries air from the nose, mouth and throat to the lungs, preventing free flow of air into the lungs. Snoring is relatively common, as many people snore at some points irrespective of age. However, regular and loud snoring may be a pointer to sleep apnoea (temporary cessation of breathing while sleeping).
What are the causes of snoring?
The narrowing of the windpipe resulting in snoring is commonly due to the weakness of the muscles at the back of the roof of the mouth, as well as the structures around the throat (such as tonsil and adenoid). It may sometimes result from the tongue falling backwards to block the airway during sleep or the large size of the tongue. The following factors contribute to the weakness of the muscles surrounding the windpipe:
- Age – The muscle tone decreases with age. So, snoring is more common at older age.
- Sex – Snoring is more common in male than female.
- Structure of the airway – The structure of an individual airway may predispose them to snoring. For example, enlargement of the structures surrounding the windpipe such as adenoid, tonsil and tongue may make it difficult for air to flow freely from the nose / mouth to the windpipe.
- Alcohol – Alcoholic substances may cause relaxation of muscles (including those supporting the airway), thereby, restricting airflow through the nose, mouth and throat into the lungs.
- Sedatives – These drugs cause people to sleep. By their action, they cause relaxation of muscles surrounding the airway, restricting airflow into the lungs.
- Weight – Snoring tends to be more common in people who are overweight or obese.
- Family history – Snoring runs in families. People whose biological parents snore are more likely to snore than those without snoring parents.
- Disease conditions – Common cold or allergies resulting in nasal congestion restricts or blocks airflow through the nose, leading to snoring.
- Pregnancy – The hormones of pregnancy lead to swelling of soft tissues around the body, including those around the windpipe, carrying air to the lungs, thus narrowing the pipe and causing snoring.
What are the symptoms of snoring?
Snoring occurs during sleep; so, most people are not even aware they snore unless they are told by another person. If you feel any or a combination of the following, chances are that you snore:
- Rolling around while sleeping.
- Waking up with headache.
- Waking up with dry or sore throat.
- Feeling tired in the morning.
- Having difficulty focusing on a task.
- Feeling moody or irritable
How is snoring treated?
The options of treatment depend on the severity of snoring, health history and personal choice:
- Lifestyle modification – This includes: maintaining healthy weight (losing weight if overweight or obese), avoiding alcohol late in the night, modification of sleep position.
- Drugs – Treatment of allergy and cold relieves nasal congestion to allow free passage of air into the lungs.
- Surgery – This may be necessary when snoring is severe or cannot be relieved by conservative measures. This helps to remove excess tissues blocking the airway or reshape the cartilage and bone of the nose, so that air can flow freely.
How can snoring be prevented?
This may be possible through lifestyle changes such as:
- Maintaining healthy weight
- Regular exercise
- Sleeping on the side instead of on the back
- Using pillow to elevate the head during sleep to improve airflow into the lungs
- Avoid sedatives as much as possible
- Avoid taking alcohol late in the evening / night before going to bed