Snoring: Why and What Now?
View PDF | Print View
by: ann777
Total views: 236
Word Count: 530
As the throat muscles lose their firmness due to age, and relax during sleep, the loose hanging soft tissues cause the air passages to narrow. The obstructing elements in the throat touch one another, causing friction and subsequent vibration. The faster the force of air and the narrower the air passage, the louder and more resonant the snore becomes.
Snoring is very common, affecting up to 60% of males, mostly middle aged, and 40% of females, and is three times more common in obese persons. The latter is considered to be due to an excess amount of fat in the neck.
The reason that men are mostly affected may be related to the fact that they have an Adam's apple; an extra appendage to obstruct their air ducts. Although women also have this thyroid cartilage, the testosterone influx during puberty causes it to grow much more prominent in men. As their waking voice is more sonorous than women's, so is their snoring.
Women, on the other hand, produce the hormone progesterone, which inhibits snoring, and consequently are less likely to snore. Some anti-snoring devices are known to use progesterone as their basic ingredient.
Even babies can display a mild form of snoring. This should be carefully monitored, however, as it may be a sign of obstruction in the baby's respiratory tract.
Occasional snoring in all genders and ages is more likely during a bout of cold, sinusitis or some other reason for a stuffy nose. The degree of snoring ranges from an annoyance to the partner to indicating obstructive sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea refers to the condition of repeated short interruptions of breathing between snores. It can be dangerous for both adults and children in case of severe, prolonged sleep and oxygen deprivation.
Snoring cannot be stopped at will, and there is not one simple cure for it. First the physical abnormality causing it needs to be identified before a control can be found. It is most often more disruptive to other people's sleep than the person responsible!
What Can You Do About It Now?
- The use of antihistamines and/or allergy medications to unclog the nasal cavities affected by allergic reactions to pollen, pets or medications.
- Treat your cold or flu with whatever remedy helps to keep the nasal passages as clear as possible during sleep.
- Reduce your alcohol consumption as alcohol causes the throat muscles to relax.
- Surgery may be required in the case of adenoids, tonsils, thyroid and other growths.
- Restrict the use of nasal sprays and/or perfumes which may irritate the air passages.
- Reduce or stop smoking as tobacco smoke causes inflammation in the air passages.
- Consult your doctor about sedatives and/or medications that relax your muscles.
- Lifestyle changes may be in order if obesity is the culprit of your snoring.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/
About the Author
Ann Stewart, author, inspirational writer and wellness coach, shares tips on how to fight off disease and feel your best in her weekly newsletter, Youth Makeover: Youth Makeover Who is she? Find out at: As the Eagle. You're welcome to subscribe to her free weekly inspirational newsletter: Life Altering Words
Rating: Not yet rated
Latest articles contributed by "ann777"
1: The Spirit is Willing! Is Your Flesh Weak?2: Are You Suffering From Arthritis?
3: Chosen for Such a Time as This
4: Christ in You, the Hope of Glory
5: How Do You Boost Your Immunity?
6: High Blood Pressure Sneaks Up Unnoticed
7: God's Secret Law of Seed Time and Harvest
8: Wisdom: the Power of God
9: Mourning Turned to Joy
10: Consider the Secret of the Eagle's Power