Snoring is a common disorder that affects 20%-40% of the general population. The mechanism of snoring is the vibration of anatomical structures in the pharyngeal airways. The flutter of the soft palate explains the harsh aspect of the snoring sound, which occurs during natural sleep or drug-induced sleep. The presentation of snoring may vary throughout the night or between nights, with a subjective, and therefore inconsistent, assessment of its loudness.
Objective evaluation of snoring is important for clinical decision-making and predicting the effect of therapeutic interventions. It also provides information regarding the site and degree of upper airway obstruction. Snoring is one of the main features of sleep-disordered breathing, including hypopnea events, which reflect partial upper airway obstruction.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by episodes of complete (apnea) or partial (hypopnea) collapse of the upper airways with associated oxygen desaturation or awakening from sleep. Most patients with OSA snore loudly almost every night. However, in the Sleep Heart Health Study, one third of participants with OSA reported no snoring, while one third of snoring participants did not meet the criteria for OSA. Therefore, subjective assessments of snoring (self-reported) may not be sufficiently reliable to assess its potential impact on cardiovascular (CV) health outcomes.
CV Effects
OSA has been hypothesized as a modifiable risk factor for CV diseases (CVD), including hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and stroke, primarily because of the results of traditional observational studies. Snoring is reported as a symptom of the early stage of OSA and has also been associated with a higher risk for CVD. However, establishing causality based on observational studies is difficult because of residual confounding from unknown or unmeasured factors and reverse causality (ie, the scenario in which CVD increases the risk for OSA or snoring). A Mendelian randomization study, using the natural random allocation of genetic variants as instruments capable of producing results analogous to those of randomized controlled trials, suggested that OSA and snoring increase the risk for hypertension and CAD, with associations partly driven by body mass index (BMI). Conversely, no evidence was found that CVD causally influenced OSA or snoring.
Snoring has been associated with multiple subclinical markers of CV pathology, including high blood pressure, and loud snoring can interfere with restorative sleep and contribute to the risk for hypertension and other adverse outcomes in snorers. However, evidence on the associations between snoring and CV health outcomes remains limited and is primarily based on subjective assessments of snoring or small clinical samples with objective assessments of snoring for only 1 night.
Snoring and Hypertension
A study of 12,287 middle-aged patients (age, 50 years) who were predominantly males (88%) and generally overweight (BMI, 28 kg/m2) determined the prevalence of snoring and its association with the prevalence of hypertension using objective evaluation of snoring over multiple nights and multiple daytime blood pressure measurements. The findings included the following observations:
An increase in snoring duration was associated with a 3-mmHg increase in systolic (SBP) and a 4-mmHg increase in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in patients with frequent and regular snoring, compared with those with infrequent snoring, regardless of age, BMI, sex, and estimated apnea/hypopnea index.
The association between severe OSA alone and blood pressure had an effect size similar to that of the association between snoring alone and blood pressure. In a model where OSA severity was classified and snoring duration was stratified into quartiles, severe OSA without snoring was associated with 3.6 mmHg higher SBP and 3.5 mmHg higher DBP, compared with the absence of snoring or OSA. Participants without OSA but with intense snoring (4th quartile) had 3.8 mmHg higher SBP and 4.5 mmHg higher DBP compared with participants without nighttime apnea or snoring.
Snoring was significantly associated with uncontrolled hypertension. There was a 20% increase in the probability of uncontrolled hypertension in subjects aged > 50 years with obesity and a 98% increase in subjects aged ≤ 50 years with normal BMI.
Duration of snoring was associated with an 87% increase in the likelihood of uncontrolled hypertension.
Implications for Practice
This study indicates that 15% of a predominantly overweight male population snore for > 20% of the night and about 10% of these subjects without nighttime apnea snore for > 12% of the night.
Regular nighttime snoring is associated with elevated blood pressure and uncontrolled hypertension, regardless of the presence or severity of OSA.
Physicians must be aware of the potential consequences of snoring on the risk for hypertension, and these results highlight the need to consider snoring in clinical care and in the management of sleep problems, especially in the context of managing arterial hypertension.
Vivos Therapeutics, Inc. manufactures the oral devices, called Complete Airway Repositioning and/or Expansion (CARE) appliances. They are dental appliances that look similar to retainers. Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source Some appliances are worn only during sleep, while others are worn day and night.
With FDA clearance, the manufacturer can market CARE appliances in the U.S. The approval is significant because it may allow more people with sleep apnea who can’t use CPAP therapy or get surgery to receive treatment. Without treatment, a person with sleep apnea faces a higher risk of severe health problems.
Data the company submitted to the FDA on 73 people with severe OSA treated with CARE appliances show that about 80% experienced at least some improvement in sleep apnea symptoms. Another study by a team of researchers that included some members of the medical advisory board for Vivos Therapeutics, found that about 64% of participants had less severe OSA following treatment with a CARE appliance. About 26% recovered from OSA completely.
Although approved by the FDA, CARE appliances may only be appropriate for some with OSA. A dentist must evaluate patients and custom-fit CARE appliances to each individual’s teeth and mouth. And people should check with their insurance company about covering the costs.
An advantage of the CARE appliances is that, unlike CPAP therapy, they may not have to be used for a person’s lifetime. Instead, they are worn daily for at least six months and, at most, a year and a half. After that, the benefits should remain for many people without any further need for the devices.
Some people develop OSA because they have naturally narrow mouths and throats. Muscles in their upper airway relax while they’re asleep, narrowing or blocking their airway and causing repeated pauses in breathing during the night. Trusted Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) The NHLBI is the nation’s leader in the prevention and treatment of heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders. View Source CARE appliances used to treat OSA gradually expand the roof of a person’s mouth, called the palate, by pushing their teeth outward. Dentists must periodically adjust the appliances to keep expanding the palate. Some CARE appliances also move the lower jaw forward. Both of these changes help create space in the airway, making it less likely to become blocked during sleep.
Up to 83% of people with sleep apnea who are prescribed CPAP therapy do not use it as often as directed. Also, surgery can be expensive, risky, and potentially less effective than other treatments. For these reasons, CARE appliances may become an attractive treatment option.
Studies of CARE appliances suggest they are not likely to cause major side effects. In some instances, they might create space between teeth.
A closer look at what snoring is as well as its causes, consequences, and treatments
Key Takeaways
The vibration of relaxed throat tissues during sleep causes snoring.
Pregnancy, weight gain, sedative medications, and congestion can contribute to snoring.
Snoring related to sleep apnea is often accompanied by other symptoms, like gasping for air and daytime fatigue.
Talk to your doctor about snoring solutions, including lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, and PAP therapy.
Snoring is a widespread issue, but its severity and health implications can vary. Snoring can be light, occasional, and unconcerning, or it may be the sign of a serious underlying sleep-related breathing disorder. More than a quarter of adults experience snoring on a regular basis.
Knowing the basics about snoring, including what causes it, when it is dangerous, and how to treat it, can facilitate better health and eliminate a common cause of sleep complaints.
Snoring is caused by the rattling and vibration of tissues Trusted Source Merck Manual First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. View Source near the airway in the back of the throat. During sleep, the muscles loosen, narrowing the airway. As a person inhales and exhales, the moving air causes the tissue to flutter and make noise.
Some people are more prone to snoring because of the size and shape of the muscles and tissues in their neck. In other cases, excess relaxing of the tissue or narrowing of the airway can lead to snoring. Examples of risk factors Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source that contribute to a higher risk of snoring include:
What’s the Difference Between Snoring and Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a breathing disorder in which the airway gets blocked or collapses during sleep, causing repeated lapses in breath.
Snoring is one of the most common symptoms of OSA Trusted Source Merck Manual First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. View Source , but not all people who snore have OSA. OSA-related snoring tends to be loud and sound as if a person is choking, snorting, or gasping Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source .
OSA disturbs sleep and often disrupts the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. More mild snoring, often called primary snoring, occurs frequently but does not provoke these other effects.
Is Snoring Dangerous?
Whether snoring is dangerous depends on its type, severity, and frequency.
Light snoring: Light, infrequent snoring is normal and does not typically require medical testing or treatment. Its main impact is on a bed partner or roommate who may be bothered by the occasional noise.
Primary snoring: Primary snoring occurs more than three nights per week. Because of its frequency, it is more disruptive to bed partners. However, it is not usually seen as a health concern unless there are signs of sleep disruptions or sleep apnea, in which case diagnostic tests may be necessary.
Snoring related to obstructive sleep apnea: OSA-associated snoring is more worrisome from a health perspective. If OSA goes untreated, it can have major implications for a person’s sleep and overall health. Unchecked OSA is associated with dangerous daytime drowsiness, and serious health conditions including cardiovascular issues, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, and depression.
When Should You See a Doctor About Snoring?
Many instances of snoring are benign, but it is important to talk with a doctor if there are signs of potential sleep apnea:
If you have noticed any of these signs, it is important to address the issue with a doctor who can determine if additional testing or treatment is necessary.
How Do I Know if I’m Snoring When I Sleep Alone?
Unless someone else tells them, most people who snore are not aware of it. This may be part of why sleep apnea is underdiagnosed Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source .
If you sleep alone, it may be helpful to set up a recording device. It could be a simple tape recorder or one of many smartphone apps, but the apps have the advantage of analyzing sound patterns for you to detect likely episodes of snoring. It is best to record for multiple nights since snoring may not occur every night. That being said, apps do not aid in the diagnosis of OSA.
It is also important to look for other signs related to disrupted sleep such as noticeable daytime sleepiness, fatigue, problems with attention or thinking, or unexplained mood changes.
What Treatments Can Help Stop Snoring?
Treatment depends on the nature of the snoring and the types of problems it causes.
For people with infrequent or primary snoring, treatment may not be necessary unless it is disturbing the person’s sleep or the sleep of someone they live with. In those cases, treatments tend to be simpler and less invasive. People with sleep apnea usually need more involved treatment.
Types of treatments include lifestyle changes, anti-snoring mouthpieces, mouth exercises, positive airway pressure (PAP) devices, and surgery. A person’s physician is in the best position to describe pros and cons of any treatment in their specific case.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can help stop snoring, and in some cases, other treatments may not be necessary. Even when other treatments are prescribed, lifestyle changes are often still recommended.
Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese are risk factors for snoring and sleep apnea, so keeping a healthy weight can be an important step against snoring.
Limiting use of alcohol and sedatives: Alcohol is a frequent promoter of snoring, and sedative medications can trigger snoring as well.
Adjusting your sleep position: Sleeping on your back makes it easier for your airway to become obstructed. It may take time to get used to a different sleep position, but it can be a helpful change.
Raising the head of your bed: Elevating the top part of your bed with risers, a wedge pillow, or an adjustable frame may help reduce snoring.
Reducing nasal congestion: Taking steps to eliminate allergies or other sources of nasal congestion can combat snoring. Breathing strips that go over the nose may help open your nasal passages during the night, as well as internal nasal expanders.
Anti-Snoring Mouthpieces
An anti-snoring mouthpiece helps hold your tongue or jaw in a stable position to prevent airway blockages while you sleep. There are two main types of anti-snoring mouthpieces.
Mandibular advancement devices: These work by holding the lower jaw forward. Many are adjustable so that you can find a more comfortable and effective fit.
Tongue retaining devices: These mouthpieces help hold the tongue in place so that it does not slide back toward your throat.
CPAP is still considered the gold standard treatment for sleep apnea. However, while some people can use a CPAP machine comfortably, others find the device bothersome, especially if the machine is loud or if the mask fits poorly. Custom-fitted oral appliances are often a suitable alternative for OSA patients who cannot tolerate CPAP Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . Mandibular advancement devices, specifically, have been shown to be effective in treating snoring and mild to moderate OSA. It is important to consult a doctor to develop the best treatment plan.
Anti-snoring mouth exercises have shown most effectiveness in people with mild snoring and usually must be completed daily over a period of two or three months.
Positive Airway Pressure Devices
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are one of the most common treatments for sleep apnea in adults. They pump pressurized air through a hose and a mask and into the airway, preventing it from being obstructed. Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP or BPAP) machines are similar but have different pressure levels for inhaling and exhaling. Auto-adjusting positive airway pressure (APAP) machines respond to breathing patterns and vary the pressure as needed.
CPAP, BiPAP, and APAP machines are often effective in treating sleep apnea and associated snoring. You need a prescription to get these devices, and they must be calibrated to suit your breathing. For that reason, it is important to work with a sleep technician to get started with a PAP device.
Wearing a PAP mask may be uncomfortable at first, but most people get used to it and find that using the device noticeably reduces snoring and improves sleep.
Surgery
In adults, surgery is rarely the first-line treatment for snoring or sleep apnea, but it may be an option if other approaches are not effective.
One type of surgery, called uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, widens the airway by adjusting or removing nearby tissue. Surgery can also address nasal polyps, a deviated septum, or other blockages of the nasal passages.
Other types of less-invasive surgeries have been developed, but to date there is limited evidence from clinical trials regarding their benefits and downsides.
Dry mouth is a common side effect of CPAP therapy, resulting from mouth breathing, decreased saliva production, and mask leaks.
Address dry mouth with heated tubing, a humidifier, chin straps, and mask adjustments.
Talk to your doctor about adjusting your CPAP pressure settings if dry mouth continues.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) helps many people breathe better while they sleep, but using a CPAP machine can take some getting used to. Among other challenges, CPAP users often wake up with a dry mouth Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . Fortunately, there are some adjustments that can make CPAP more comfortable to use.
CPAP is one of the main treatments for obstructive sleep apnea, a common and serious sleep disorder. Obstructive sleep apnea causes a sleeping person’s airway to close during sleep, leading to repeated breathing problems throughout the night. A CPAP machine prevents these closures by continuously pumping air Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source into the airway.
Although it has benefits, CPAP can also cause dry mouth and other side effects, especially on first use. Preventing dry mouth can make using CPAP a better experience and can encourage people to continue this important therapy.
How CPAP Machines Can Cause Dry Mouth
CPAP users may experience dry mouth for several reasons.
Mouth breathing: Some people using CPAP may exhale through the mouth Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source rather than the nose. Exhaling through the mouth during sleep can dry it out.
Poorly fitting mask: A CPAP mask that is too loose or too tight can contribute to dry mouth, as well as reduce the treatment’s effectiveness Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .
Decreased flow of saliva: Research suggests that the high pressure in the mouth created by CPAP can block the flow of saliva Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , which normally keeps the mouth moist.
Other Causes of Dry Mouth
Using a CPAP machine is not the only cause of dry mouth while sleeping. Obstructive sleep apnea itself, even when a person is not using CPAP, can increase the risk of dry mouth. Several other factors may also contribute Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source to this symptom.
Medications: Dry mouth is a common side effect of antihistamines, decongestants, and many other medications. Products containing cannabidiol (CBD) Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source may also cause dry mouth.
Dehydration: Dehydration occurs when there is not enough fluid Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source in the body. It may be caused by not taking in enough fluid or by losing fluid through diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive urination or sweating.
Advanced age: The sense of thirst can diminish as people age, which may lead them to drink less and become dehydrated.
Salivary gland problems: Salivary glands produce the saliva that moistens the mouth Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source . The salivary glands’ normal function can be disrupted by infections, cancer treatment, and diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome.
Additional possible causes: Diabetes, anxiety, HIV infection Trusted Source Merck Manual First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. View Source , and the use of tobacco, marijuana Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source , and methamphetamine can all contribute to mouth dryness.
How to Stop CPAP Dry Mouth
CPAP users can take a number of steps to alleviate dry mouth. The best solution depends on the main cause of the problem.
Keep the CPAP Airflow Moist
One step that may reduce dry mouth is moistening the airflow through the CPAP by using a humidifier. Humidification can also help if the nose gets dried out Trusted Source Medscape Reference Medscape is on online destination for healthcare professionals worldwide, offering expert perspectives, drug and disease information, and professional education. View Source , which often accompanies dry mouth Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .
Different methods may be used for humidification. The choice of method can depend on personal preference and the type of CPAP machine.
Inline heat moisture exchange humidifiers: These devices warm the air circulating from the CPAP machine and add moisture to it.
Built-in humidifiers: Many CPAP machines include built-in humidifiers Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source with adjustable temperature settings.
Cold passover humidifiers: This style of humidifier moistens air as it passes over room temperature water without heating it.
Heated tubing: Some CPAP machines use heated tubing to increase the moisture level and temperature of the pumped air, which may help with dry mouth.
Room humidifiers: If dry air in the environment is contributing to dry mouth, a standalone humidifier can help moisten the air in the bedroom and provide relief.
Keep the Mouth Closed
A frequent cause of dry mouth for CPAP users is mouth breathing, in which the mouth is open during sleep. Keeping the mouth closed with a chin strap or adhesive strips can reduce mouth breathing and relieve dry mouth.
Chin strap: Chin straps encircle the head and gently cradle the chin to keep it closed. Research shows that chin straps increase people’s willingness to continue using CPAP Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .
Adhesive strips: CPAP users may also use disposable adhesive strips applied over the mouth to encourage sleeping with the mouth closed.
Relieve Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion can lead to mouth breathing, especially in children with obstructive sleep apnea. Trusted Source Merck Manual First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. View Source Relieving nasal congestion with saltwater nasal sprays or medication may help control mouth breathing.
Find the Best CPAP Mask
A CPAP mask that fits poorly or seals improperly can cause air leaks Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source and dry mouth. Selecting a face mask is part of the initial set-up when people begin using CPAP. But it is common for people to switch to another mask if problems arise once they start using CPAP at home. A doctor or sleep specialist can provide guidance on the most appropriate options.
Many styles and sizes of CPAP masks are available, and some can address specific concerns. For example, a mask that covers both the nose and mouth may improve mouth dryness, particularly if chin straps are not effective.
Prevent skin irritation: Ensuring that the mask is clean can help prevent skin problems. Skin creams or pads may also prevent skin irritation.
Eliminate noise: If the noise of the CPAP machine is bothersome, try putting it under the bed so it doesn’t sound as loud.
Take advantage of innovations: As CPAP technology improves, new devices and approaches to making CPAP more comfortable Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source may become available. If you have a problem with your CPAP, mention it to your health care provider. There may be a new product that can benefit you.
When to Talk to Your Doctor About CPAP Dry Mouth
If side effects like dry mouth are preventing you from using your CPAP as directed, you may be missing out on the many health benefits regular CPAP use can deliver. If mouth dryness is a problem, tell your doctor. Mention any other side effects you are experiencing and anything you have tried to alleviate them. Your health care team can help you troubleshoot side effects and keep you motivated to use it.
Snoring is a common sleep phenomenon. But while some may think that it means that someone is sleeping soundly and sweetly, it’s actually the opposite.
Snoring can be a health warning.
Snoring happens when one’s upper respiratory tract is obstructed and must breathe hard during sleep. It’s the sound of inhaled air vibrating with the soft tissues of the respiratory tract.
According to statistics, about 20 percent of adults snore. About 60 percent of middle-aged to elderly (41-65 years old) men and 40 percent of women have habitual snoring.
Snoring can be divided into physiological and pathological.
Physiological snoring is generally caused by excessive fatigue during the day, which leads to a sound sleep at night. Physiological snoring is brief, and the sound is not very big. As long as one changes sleeping position, for example, switching from lying on one’s back to sleeping on one’s side, he/she will stop snoring. Such snoring is not too big a thing to worry about.
Pathological snoring is usually big in sound, often accompanied by respiratory tract obstruction. In severe cases, sleep apnea can even occur. The chronic deficiency of qi in people who snore can result in reduced blood oxygen and hypercapnia, which will have a negative impact on the heart and lungs. According to literature reports, people who snore are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease, and cerebrovascular diseases.
Snoring During Adolescence
If snoring starts in adolescence, it can have serious health consequences. In addition, poor sleep quality caused by snoring will also affect one’s study, and even lead to emotional disorders.
It’s worth noting that obstructive apnea syndrome in children, usually characterized by daytime restlessness, inability to concentrate, behavioral problems, and learning disabilities, is often misdiagnosed as hyperactivity.
When the Elderly Snore
Snoring in the elderly can affect life expectancy. The slow metabolism of the elderly makes their heart and brain prone to hypoxia. Snoring in sleep can further aggravate hypoxia in the heart and brain, thereby increasing the incidence of hypertension, stroke, heart disease, cardiopulmonary insufficiency, and other diseases.
Women who snore tend to age. Female snoring leads to insufficient blood oxygen in the body and poor qi and blood, which is easy to cause loose and rough facial skin, leading to crow’s feet prematurely. Poor sleep quality caused by snoring can also lead to dark circles, big bags under the eyes, menstrual irregularities, and other symptoms.
Causes of Snoring
1. Obesity: Among many causes of snoring, obesity is the most common one, accounting for about 70 percent to 90 percent. The pathology is that too much fat in the neck will narrow the respiratory tract.
2. Reduced muscle tension: It is generally believed that the muscle tension around the throat decreases with age, making it easier to close, and the tongue tends to block the airway to the rear. However, traditional Chinese medicine usually believes that it’s “qi deficiency” which leads to insufficient muscle tension.
3. Structural abnormalities: Any factors that can cause constriction of the respiratory tract can lead to snoring, such as turbinate hypertrophy (common in allergic rhinitis), nasal septum deviation, tonsillar hypertrophy, large tongue (the tongue is easy to expand in case of Qi deficiency), short chin, etc.
4. Nasal congestion: Inflammation and edema of the nasal cavity occurred during a cold or allergy narrow the respiratory tract; or excessively dry air breathed in at night thickens and dries out the mucus in the nose and throat, blocking the flow of air.
5. Smoking: Smoking can irritate the upper respiratory tract and inflame it.
6. Drinking: People who do not usually snore can snore like thunder after drinking alcohol, and the symptoms of people who snore will be aggravated after drinking. The rate of drinking affecting snoring is about 65 percent.
7. Medication: Sedatives for insomnia and anxiety, and muscle relaxants for back pain and arthritis, for example, may relax the muscles in the throat more than usual, narrowing the airways and exacerbating snoring.
Natural Remedies for Snoring
1. As obesity is an important reason for snoring, weight loss is the first thing to consider for obese people who snore.
2. People who have the habit of smoking and drinking can try to give it up.
3. Sleeping on one’s side can alleviate the problem of tongue blocking airway, thus reducing the chance of snoring.
4. One of the causes of snoring is insufficient muscle tension, which is mainly caused by qi deficiency in traditional Chinese medicine. Therefore, taking qi tonic Chinese medicine or more exercise to increase the strength of the body can reduce snoring.
5. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that upper respiratory tract obstruction, which is caused by turbinate hypertrophy, tonsil hypertrophy, and nasal allergy, is due to sputum stasis in the lung channel. Therefore, one can take some Chinese medicine or acupuncture treatment to treat upper respiratory tract obstruction.
A history of parental snoring was significantly associated with snoring among children at the age of 7, according to results from an allergy and air pollution study presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Meeting.
To determine the prevalence of habitual snoring in children born to atopic parents and to assess the relationship between habitual snoring, atopic status and exposure to traffic pollution, the researchers examined a prospective birth cohort consisting of 609 children from the Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study (CCAAPS).
“To our knowledge, this is the first birth cohort in the United States examining longitudinal predictors of snoring in children born to atopic parents,” researcher Jennifer A. Kannan, MD, of University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, told Healio.com/Allergy.
Clinical evaluations and questionnaires concerning allergic and respiratory symptoms, environmental exposures, and snoring frequency at ages 1 to 4 and 7 were completed by study participants. Snoring frequencies were classified as: never (< 1 night/week), sometimes (1-2 nights/week) and frequently (≥ 3 nights/week).
A land-use regression model was employed to estimate traffic pollution exposure (TRAP). To determine the association between early (< age 4) and current (age 7) allergic disease, environmental exposures, and snoring at age 7, a proportional odds logistic regression was used.
“Our study found that an early history of maternal snoring (ages 1-4) was significantly associated with snoring at age 7,” Kannan said. “Early rhinitis and early wheezing (ages 1-4) were associated but not statistically significant with snoring at age 7. A history of parental snoring, upper respiratory tract infections and exposure to traffic pollution at age 7 were significantly associated with snoring at age 7.”
According to Kannan, “Clinicians evaluating children with these characteristics should consider screening for sleep disorders which can have harmful health effects.” — by Alaina Tedesco
Young children who routinely snore appeared to have an elevated risk for learning deficits, including problems with attention, memory, and language, researchers reported here.
Verbal and nonverbal performance, assessed through Differential Abilities Scales (DAS) scoring, differed significantly across four groups (P=0.002), as did IQ (Global Conceptual Ability scores, P<0.001). Attention and executive functioning test scores also differed by sleep group, indicating differences in levels of engagement and problem solving, according to Leila Gozal, MD, of the University of Chicago, and colleagues.
Kids with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, mostly caused by enlarged tonsils and adenoids, had the highest risk for these deficits in the study that examined learning outcomes among 1,359 public school children, ages 5 to 7 years, they said in a presentation at the American Thoracic Society annual meeting.
The study is one of the few to examine a community-representative sample of kids, Gozal explained.
“We recruited the children through flyers and advertisements because we wanted the sample to resemble the population,” she said.
While her group had hypothesized that severe snoring would be associated with the greatest cognitive deficits in the study sample, they said they were surprised to find deficits in children with less severe sleep disordered breathing, Gozal told MedPage Today.
“There seems to be a dose-response effect — the worse the sleep apnea is, the more children showed behavioral issues and issues with school performance,” she said. “But we also saw deficits in children who were only snoring, which suggests that young children don’t have to have severe obstructive sleep apnea to experience these issues.”
All children recruited for the study, including both snorers and non-snorers, underwent comprehensive sleep assessment which included sleep questionnaires and overnight polysomnography testing to measure apnea episodes (Apnea-Hypoxic Index [AHI] per hour TST).
Based on these findings, the children were categorized into four groups: non-snoring (AHI <1/hrTST), habitual snoring (AHI <1/hr/TST), habitual snoring and AHI >1 to <5/hrTST, and habitual snoring and AHI >5/hrTST.
The children also underwent cognitive testing, designed to measure intelligence, language development, attention, memory, and executive functioning.
“Children with higher AHI (>5/hrTST) were significantly more impaired than all three lower AHI groups, indicating a dose-response impact of sleep disordered breathing,” the researchers wrote. “In addition, both the severity of sleep fragmentation (i.e., respiratory arousal index), and hypoxemia (i.e., nadir SpO2) contributed to cognitive function variance.”
The researchers stated that the findings highlight the need for early intervention in young children with sleep disordered breathing and sleep apnea.
Gozal said the vast majority of young children with sleep disordered breathing and sleep apnea have enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids, which can be treated with medical management if the cause is allergies, or surgical removal.
“The message to parents is that they need to pay attention to their children’s sleep,” she said. “If they are seeing behavioral issues such as (new onset) bed-wetting or trouble in school, poor sleep quality may be a factor.”
Dean Schraufnagel, MD, at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, said he was not surprised by the findings.
“We are learning so much about how the quality of our sleep affects just about every aspect of our health and our functioning, and it stands to reason that this would be the case for children as well as adults,” said Schraufnagel, who was not involved in the study.
Snoring usually occurs when a person is going into deep sleep from light sleep. The throat tissues and the roof palate tissues relax obstructing the airway. The air then pushes forcefully into the air passage resulting in a sound we know as snoring. Allergies, asthma, cold, nasal congestion, and sinus infectioncan cause snoring. This could be hereditary or could be due to certain medications.
Sleeping posture and obesity, may cause snoring, so the best way to stop snoring is to lose weight. Alcohol consumption, especially before bedtime, increases airway obstruction and cause a higher probability for snoring. You should also avoid eating the following foods (known to increase the intensity of snoring) late in the evening: fried foods, heavy floury foods, excessive alcohol, processed foods and dairy products.
One of the things that contributes to snoring is excess mucous. If you can lessen the amount of mucous that builds up in the throat and nasal passengers, you will free up the airways which can reduce or maybe even prevent someone from snoring altogether. One of the simplest ways to achieve this is by juicing.
If you’re like most Americans you probably don’t get eight hours sleep each night.
But, if you also constantly feel exhausted, experience headaches for no obvious reason or have high blood pressure, you could have a more serious problem.
That’s because these can all be the result of snoring—which is, in turn, the most common symptom of a potentially serious health problem—obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
While most people think of snoring as a minor annoyance, research shows it can be hazardous to your health. That’s because for over 18 million Americans it’s related to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). People who suffer from OSA repeatedly and unknowingly stop breathing during the night due to a complete or partial obstruction of their airway. It occurs when the jaw, throat, and tongue muscles relax, blocking the airway used to breathe. The resulting lack of oxygen can last for a minute or longer, and occur hundreds of times each night.
Thankfully, most people wake when a complete or partial obstruction occurs, but it can leave you feeling completely exhausted. OSA has also been linked to a host of health problems including:
Acid reflux
Frequent nighttime urination
Memory loss
Stroke
Depression
Diabetes
Heart attack
People over 35 are at higher risk.
OSA can be expensive to diagnosis and treat, and is not always covered by insurance. A sleep clinic will require an overnight visit (up to $5,000). Doctors then analyze the data and prescribe one of several treatments. These may require you to wear uncomfortable CPAP devices that force air through your nose and mouth while you sleep to keep your airways open, and may even include painful surgery.
Fortunately, there is now a comfortable, far less costly and invasive treatment option available. A recent case study published by Eastern Virginia Medical School’s Division of Sleep Medicine in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine concludes that wearing a simple chinstrap while you sleep can be an effective treatment for OSA.
The chin strap, which is now available from a company called MySnoringSolution, works by supporting the lower jaw and tongue, preventing obstruction of the airway. It’s made from a high-tech, lightweight, and super-comfortable material. Thousands of people have used the MySnoringSolution chinstrap to help relieve their snoring symptoms, and they report better sleeping, and better health overall because of it.
An effective snoring solution for just $119
The “My Snoring Solution” Chinstrap is available exclusively from the company’s website which is currently offering a limited time “2 for 1” offer. The product also comes with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.
If you want to stop snoring once and for all, without expensive CPAP devices or other intrusive devices, this may be the solution you’ve been waiting for. The free additional strap is great for travel or as a gift for a fellow sufferer.
We all snore on occasion, but for some of us it happens frequently, leading to late-night jabs, pillows over the ears, and a poor night’s sleep. Whether you’re the snorer or the bed partner of a snorer, it’s a nuisance that not only disrupts the quantity and quality of sleep, but can also cause daytime fatigue, irritability, and increased health problems. Rather than sleep in separate rooms from your bed partner, make these changes to your diet to snooze without snoring.
In the U.S., noisy breathing during sleep is a common problem among people of all ages and genders, affecting approximately 90 million American adults and 37 million on a regular basis, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Snoring occurs when the muscles of the throat relax, the tongue falls backward, and the throat becomes narrow and floppy. This causes the walls of the throat to vibrate, specifically when you breathe in and occasionally when you breathe out, which is what produces the snoring sound.
Snoring can be triggered by several factors, including diet. A diet that lowers or restricts foods high in prostaglandin 2 (Pg 2) — lipid compounds that can create swelling or enlargement of the tissues in the throat and sinuses — can potentially decrease the incidence of both sleep apnea and snoring. Kevin Meehan, a holistic practitioner and founder of Meehan Formulations in Jackson, Wyo., believes “any process which increases the obstruction or reduction in the space of the air passageway will usually initiate the vibration of the respiratory structures, resulting in snoring. … Keeping the obstruction of the throat and nasal passageways down is imperative,” he told Medical Daily in an email.
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