We all know how important it is for our health to sleep well, and there are many causes that prevent us from falling asleep properly. Worries, stress, anxiety, poor diet, lack of physical exercise… are all factors that affect our quality of sleep. In addition, there is another very frequent cause that prevents us from taking advantage of the hours of sleep. It’s the snoring.
Why snoring occurs
- Snoring is the vibrations that occur in the veil of the passage of air when we breathe while we are asleep. These vibrations have different intensities depending on the person and also on the cause that produces them. This is a problem that affects more men than women and affects the quality of sleep, although snoring also affects the sleep of those next to them.
- There are several causes that produce snoring. It may be a decrease in muscle tone of the tongue or pharynx, it may be due to an increase in the size of the tonsils or an obstruction of the airways. There are also environmental or external factors that favor the appearance of snoring such as obesity, alcohol, tobacco or the deviation of the nasal septum.
- Snoring is, in any case, a serious problem that can affect not only your health, but also your relationship. The fact of not resting at night can cause headaches, muscle pain, lack of attention, decay, etc. And on the other hand, snoring is one of the main reasons why a couple starts sleeping apart.
How to stop snoring
- Everyone knows how difficult it is to stop snoring. Depending on the problem that is causing the snoring, the treatment will vary, but it is true that it is a condition that can be solved. If the snoring is caused by a physical problem of the organs of the oral cavity, or by the deviation of the nasal septum, the problem will require surgery. There are also drugs that help lubricate the lining of the throat and respiratory tract and that considerably reduce the problem.
- Sometimes a simple change in lifestyle is enough to end snoring. It is recommended to do physical exercise, eat a healthy and balanced diet, avoid copious dinners, not take tranquilizers, reduce alcohol consumption and quit smoking. In addition, it is convenient to maintain a regular sleep schedule and, in any case, remember that the position in which you sleep can also influence snoring. A person is more likely to snore if they sleep on their back than if they sleep on their side.
- In any case, if snoring becomes a problem for you and your partner, it is necessary to see a doctor. It is always convenient to rule out major problems, because snoring is also related to some sleep disorders, such as apnea.