Sleep is vital for us to recharge and our body to repair and regenerate. It’s the one time of the day when you can completely relax. There’s nothing better than snuggling up next to your partner to wind down after another long day…until they begin to snore and keep you awake.
Snoring is disruptive to both their sleep and yours causing you to wake up unrefreshed and experiencing broken and disturbed sleep.
If you are experiencing snoring related health issues it’s time to seek medical advice.
It’s natural to assume it’s the snorer who suffers, but the effects of snoring impact on everyone in the room. This can take its toll night after night. People who sleep with someone who snores are likely to be fatigued and experience all of the common symptoms that come with sleep deprivation, such as frustration or a lack of concentration, simply because they are being kept awake throughout the night due to a loud partner.
It’s for no funyour snoring spouse either! They often suffer anxiety and embarrassment about sleeping amongst other people when they travel and feel personally responsible for causing an intimacy breakdown in their relationships by forcing their partners to either deal with their nightly habit or sleep in different rooms.
What Is Happening When They Snore?
Snoring occurs when air is restricted either though the nose or throat. When you are lying down, the muscles in the upper airway relax which creates what is known as ‘airflow turbulence’. When the air is inhaled in and out, the surrounding tissue vibrates, causing that familiar shuddering sound. If the muscles relax too much, they can cause a complete blockage in the airway, which stops breathing altogether, causing them to choke or cough to clear it.
Unfortunately, these subconscious responses can lead to disruptions in their sleep patterns and overall sleep quality, not to mention yours too. If snoring continues night after night, the effects can get quite serious. You may find that they experience daytime fatigue, irritability, headaches and numerous other health problems. Additionally, the loud and repetitive sound can impact you each and every night.
What causes their snoring?
There are two main causes for snoring which are related to temporary and structural factors.
Temporary factors
Snoring can be caused by a range of things; sedative use, alcohol consumption, smoking, hayfever and allergies, inflamed tonsils, sleeping position and colds or the flu. These factors are temporary and symptoms should subside when they stop.
Structural factors
Structural factors are long-term and often include excessive weight around the neck and the shape of their palate, nose and jaw.
For example, the nasal passages may be blocked due to polyp growth or a structural abnormality, or there may be irregularities with the soft palate or muscle tone within the throat which makes breathing while sleeping difficult.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Snoring can also indicate a more serious issue, Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This condition can create serious risks to your partner’s health due to diabetes, stroke and heart disease.
Body Weight
Being overweight can make snoring worse, as excessive weight can increase the tissue size around the neck and add extra pressure on breathing passageways. Losing a few kilograms can help to ease this issue.
Hydration
Having a dry mouth or throat can amplify snoring sounds as your air passageways lose flexibility. Keeping a glass of water conveniently beside the bed will help your partner remain hydrated before and during the night which will soften the passageways and allow easier breathing.
When do you need to seek medical help?
It’s easy to overlook snoring because most people don’t realize how serious it can be. If the above tips and tricks are helping to ease the problem it’s time to seek medical help.
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