Stop Snoring and Sleep Better at Night

A snore is called noisy breathing during sleep, but it can also be the beginning of something life-threatening. People who snore are at risk of developing chronic sleep disorders and over the long term, serious health problems. To stop snoring, It is important to know what causes snoring and what can be done to address an individual problem.

Common Causes

Chronic snorers are all ages, genders and ethnicity. The issue affects tens of millions of Americans. Although anyone can suffer from snoring, there are certain groups who are at greater risk:

• overweight men and women (as well as children and teens.)
• aging adults

The problem is not exclusive to these groups, however. The rattling and wheezing sound has as much to do with throat muscles relaxing as anything. In older adults, this problem is usually blamed on the process of aging.

What actually causes snoring sounds is the vibrations of a narrowed throat passage, partially blocked by the tongue, as air is pushed out of the lungs. The sound gets louder as the passage gets narrower. When occasional closure of the throat occurs, breathing stops and the individual’s sleep pattern is disrupted. This is called sleep apnea, a dangerous health condition which can lead to chronic sleep deprivation.

More Causes

Getting older and being overweight contribute to snoring, but these are not exclusive causes. Allergies, colds, flu and any sickness that causes the nose and throat to get inflamed and blocked are common culprits. In addition, a deviated septum is also known to obstruct breathing at night, as can enlarged tonsils or anatomical abnormalities.

Help for Snoring

Knowing what causes snoring and understanding how to sleep better at night are vital for optimum health. If a person is overweight or a habitual smoker, lifestyle changes are imminent. For people experiencing allergies or seasonal colds, solutions include using allergy medications such as Claritin, Allegra or Benadryl. These medications assist with stopping runny noses and reducing congestion, which allows the individual to breathe better, reducing or eliminating snoring.

If in doubt, or the problem gets serious despite taking over the counter medications, visit a doctor. There may be a stronger medicine available by prescription, or there may be a more serious health issue to deal with.

Taking some simple steps in the bedroom can help as well. For example, try to sleep in a semi-upright position. Try propping an extra pillow or two under the head, neck and shoulders, and use a humidifier. Another possibility is to try ‘breathing strips.’ These hold the nasal passages open for easier breathing while asleep.

If the problem continues or gets worse, be sure to see a professional as early as possible.

Sleep Deprivation