Snoring – causes, treatment, sleep apnea. The best ways to snore

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Snoring is a fairly common ailment, which – as it is embarrassing and “harmless” – is often underestimated. A person who snores is not always aware of it, although the sounds he makes during sleep may significantly reduce the quality of sleep of household members or roommates. Why do we snore and in what situations can snoring be dangerous to health? What methods of snoring are worth testing?

Snoring – ailments characteristic

Snoring is not a disease in itself. It is rather a peculiar effect breathing problems that occur during sleepwhich may or may not be associated with certain health problems. However, it cannot be denied that it is an extremely troublesome condition, especially for partners of people who snore. The intensity of sounds coming from a snoring person’s mouth is as high as 90 decibels. For comparison: a working lawn mower produces a noise level of 75-93 decibels …

Why do we snore? Loud and bothersome snoring noises are the result obstructed airflow through the throat. When we sleep, our throat narrows considerably. The back of the throat descends to touch the root of the tongue. Normal breathing in a dream is possible thanks to a small gap that remains open.

Air, getting through the upper respiratory tract, sets their flabby walls in motion, causing vibration of the throat and tongue. If the airflow remains too low, loud snoring sounds can be heard.

Snoring – causes

What are some of the factors that make some of us snore? The causes of snoring can be really different – the most common are:

1. problems with the nasal septum curve (congenital or as a result of mechanical trauma);
2. nasal obstruction associated with polyps in the nasal cavity;
3. hypertrophy of the palatine tonsils;
4. hypertrophy of the base of the tongue or uvula;
5. problems with the structure of the soft palate, which make it excessively soft and flaccid;
6. hypertrophy and / or swelling of the turbinates;
7. other anatomical birth defects of the upper respiratory tract;
8. decreased muscle tone of the throat and tongue;
9. allergies;
10. overweight and obesity;
11. sleeping on the back;
12. taking sedatives, antidepressants or muscle relaxants;
13. prolonged smoking of cigarettes.

In addition, snoring may be episodic and may appear sporadically in such situations as;

1. respiratory infections that cause temporary obstruction of the airways, e.g. colds or sinusitis;
2. significant physical exertion during the day;
3. consuming more alcohol;
4. high level of fatigue.

The frequency of snoring problems also depends on age and gender. Definitely men over 40 snore most oftenwho are overweight or obese as well as with high blood pressure and smoke cigarettes. In women, snoring usually appears only after the menopause. On the other hand, snoring rarely happens to young people and children.

Snoring in children most often it results from frequent infections that make the third tonsil significantly enlarged. The child also snows in case of other temporary ailments that may cause nasal obstruction – for example, suffering from sinusitis or struggling with an allergic rhinitis.

Snoring in a child under 1 year of age may be related to the laxity of the cartilage elements in the larynx. Any case of snoring in a child – unless it is caused by a temporary infection – should be consulted with a doctor. Snoring causes significant disturbances in sleep quality and may slow down the development of a toddler.

Night snoring does not always have to be a health risk – it is estimated that as many as one in 10 people snore (80% of all snorers are men). In 60% of patients, snoring is considered a physiological reflex that poses no threat to health. In other cases, it is usually a symptom of a dangerous one sleep apnea.

Find out more: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OBPS)

Snoring and sleep apnea

While snoring itself does not necessarily pose a threat to your health, you should be vigilant. One in 10 people who snore develops obstructive sleep apnea (OBPS). This disorder is conducive to the development of many dangerous diseases and can lead to imminent life-threatening conditions.

What is sleep apnea? If airflow is obstructed when breathing in a dream, they may arise difficulty breathing air into the lungs. Even though the sick person is breathing, the air does not go to his lungs. This state of affairs can take anywhere from a few seconds to even a minute. The organism does not remain idle then.

The rising concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood gives a signal to the respiratory center in the brain, telling it that something is wrong with the sleeping person. Then the brain stimulates additional respiratory muscles to work – the muscles of the chest and diaphragm. After the apnea, you inhale very sharply.

According to doctors who study sleep, brief pauses in breathing are normal and happen to almost all people. However, if apnea occurs more than 10 times in an hour, it is no longer common to talk about snoring, but about sleep apnea, which is a serious health problem.

With each apnea, the brain sends a wake-up signal to restore normal breathing. For a person with more than 10 apnea per hour, this is 10 awakenings. The sleep of a person suffering from obstructive sleep apnea is therefore patchy, restless, and shallow. Moreover, with each apnea, it becomes shorter or longer tissue hypoxia – blood pressure rises and the heart beats faster. In addition, apnea may be accompanied by severe sweating and, in some situations, even turning blue.

Untreated obstructive sleep apnea can lead to the development of obstructive sleep apnea a number of dangerous systemic diseases or worsening of symptoms of diseases and ailments already existing, such as:

1. hypertension;
2. pulmonary hypertension;
3. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
4. ischemic heart disease (apnea significantly increases the risk of a heart attack);
5. Heart arythmia;
6. heart failure;
7. cerebral circulation disorders (increased risk of stroke);
8. glucose intolerance, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome;
9. depression;
10. problems with memory and concentration;
11. nocturia (the need to urinate frequently at night);
12. impotence;
13. weight gain;
14. frequent morning headaches.

The most at risk of developing sleep apnea are severely snoring men over 40, especially those who are overweight, as well as overweight or obese women over 55. Often, apnea is accompanied by various types of hormonal disorders, as well as arterial hypertension.

People with obstructive sleep apnea are usually unaware of this. So it is very important reaction of partners or household members. If a loved one snores and we observe disturbing apnea, it is worth informing him about this fact and persuading him to consult specialists. We can save her life this way. You can find a medical facility in your area on the website clinics.pl.

Also read: Sleep apnea increases the risk of sudden cardiac death

Snoring and sleep apnea – diagnosis

People who are suspected of having problems with obstructive sleep apnea undergo a series of tests to confirm or rule out this diagnosis and to get the right treatment. Most often, patients are first referred to polysomnography, i.e. a polygraphic sleep test. It is an overnight examination carried out in a hospital or other center adapted to such diagnostic activities, which consists in monitoring the patient’s parameters overnight. The results of polysomnography include the results of 4 basic tests:

1. electrocardiography (EKG) – recording of the regularity of the heartbeat;
2. electroencephalography (EEG) – assessment of the bioelectrical activity of the brain;
3. electromyography (EMG) – assessment of muscle and nerve function;
4. electrooculography (EEA) – recording of eye movements.

Additionally, for the complete picture, it is also explored

1. hemoglobin saturation with oxygen (using a finger pulse oximeter);
2. chest and abdominal movements (using belts with strain gauges);
3. air movement through the nose and mouth (using thermistor sensors);
4. body position (using the body position sensor);
5. body temperature.

There are also microphones near the patient that record the volume of snoring. The examination is also recorded with a camera. The sum of the studies gives you a complete picture of how your sleep is going and how our dreaming body behaves. In order for the polysomnography result to be reliable, all measurements must be continued at least 6 hours.

In some cases, simplified polysomnography is ordered – polygraphic examination of sleep at the patient’s home performed with the help of a special camera that records, among others the level of blood oxygenation, changes in heart rate and body position or changes in muscle tone. Due to the inability to conduct EEG, EEA and EMG tests under these conditions, it is slightly less accurate, but usually allows for a proper diagnosis.

In diagnostics it is also necessary determining the cause of snoringthat contributes to the development of sleep apnea syndrome. The method of treatment and its effectiveness depend on it. For this purpose, a number of other tests are performed, such as:

1. rhinomanometry – testing the patency of the nasal passages;
2. assessment of the structure of the upper respiratory tract;
3. fiberoscopic examination – endoscopy of the nose, throat, tonsils and larynx;
4. imaging test – 3D computed tomography.

Also check: A new method of treating snoring and sleep apnea in Poland

Snoring – treatment

The treatment of snoring always depends on the underlying cause. If snoring is caused by anatomical defects of the upper respiratory tract, such as a distorted nasal septum, an enlarged palate or tongue, it is often necessary to surgical interventionwhich enables their correction. Also, if the problem causing snoring are polyps of the nasal cavity or overgrown tonsils – they need to be removed. Most of these problems can be solved by the so-called one-day surgery: after this type of surgery, the patient usually does not require hospitalization.

If snoring is associated with sleep apnea, different treatments are used depending on their severity. It is performed very often treatments to reduce the mass of the palate and tongue. With the help of special electrodes, the tissue is destroyed, creating a properly shaped scar that tightens the sagging muscles.

Another popular method of fighting sleep apnea is special masks worn at night. The mask, tightly fitting the mouth and nose, is connected with a tube to the CPAP device – it is a compressor that produces a continuous stream of air under increased pressure. Positive air pressure stiffens the airways and prevents their narrowing. Such a device is a kind of prosthesis supporting night breathing.

If you have a problem with snoring, try Antychrapacz – nasal insert for snoring, which you can buy at a promotional price on Medonet Market.

Also read: CPAP can save the lives of COVID-19 patients

Ways to snore

Even in situations where snoring does not go hand in hand with sleep apnea, it can be troublesome – both for the snorer, for whom it is an embarrassing and embarrassing condition, as well as for his partner, partner or other household members. It is estimated that people sleeping in the same room as a snorer, on average, they lose about 1-1,5 hours of sleep each night, waking up and having trouble falling asleep to such a loud and unpleasant accompaniment.

If the cause of snoring is not obvious, what are some of the measures you should try?

1. Elimination of all stimulants. Alcohol, as well as sleeping pills and sedatives, contribute to relaxation of the muscles of the throat and tongue, while disrupting the respiratory center in the brain. So it’s best to refrain from taking them in the evenings. The nicotine contained in cigarettes causes the saliva to accumulate in the larynx and trachea, irritating the throat and causing swelling of the mucosa. As a result, air cannot escape freely from the lungs. So quitting smoking can help you fight snoring.
2. The right choice of pillow and sleeping position. Sleeping on the back – the most common position of snorers – causes the tongue to fall back, the mouth opens up, and the nasopharyngeal and throat canals narrow significantly. So it’s best to try to fall asleep on your side or stomach to reduce the likelihood of snoring. The pillow also has an effect on snoring – if it is too high, it will narrow the air flow channel and increase snoring. A good solution are anatomic pillows that adapt to our position every time. Try the Traditional orthopedic pillow made of Exclusive Dream thermoforming foam or the profiled orthopedic pillow with the Exclusive Dream microfiber pillowcase.
3. Fat reduction. Snoring is often aggravated by being overweight – the fatty tissue that builds up in the throat area puts pressure on the respiratory tract. So, shedding unnecessary kilograms can help to neutralize the snoring problem.
4. Adequate sleeping conditions. It is worth ensuring that the air in our bedroom is not too dry – dry mucosa increases snoring. Frequent airing of the bedroom and the use of humidifiers can help. The temperature in the room where we sleep is also important – it should be between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius.
5. Regular circadian rhythm. The more regular and predictable our sleep is, the less likely we are to snore. So try to always go to sleep and wake up at the same time, making sure to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day. Also, be quiet before going to bed – avoid sitting in front of the screen just before going to bed, take a warm shower, read a relaxing book.
6. Breathing aids. In pharmacies today you will find a wide selection of over-the-counter medications that facilitate breathing during sleep and reduce the intensity of snoring – mainly sprays, ointments and mouthwash and gargle. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to choose the right preparation for you.

Also check: The damage to the brain from sleep apnea is reversible

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