Snoring is certain a pain to not only the person who snores and never seems to get a good night’s rest, but their partner who must lay awake listening to it all night long. Snoring can actually be the sign of something much more serious, and it is important to determine what is causing the snoring.

One such potentially dangerous condition is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition in which the airway becomes completely closed and the patient actually stops breathing for a very short period of time. The body isn’t getting the oxygen it needs and so once the person starts breathing again it usually comes as a very loud snore.

Many people with sleep apnea have it for years and have no idea. It can range from very mild to very severe, and can lead to serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes. Because of this reason, if you snore you should see your doctor to rule out the possibility of sleep apnea.

People with sleep apnea often find themselves in need of frequent naps during the day as they are constantly woken up during the night. When their oxygen levels are lower their heart needs to work harder to get what oxygen there is to the body’s cells quickly. Luckily there are several treatment options for those afflicted with sleep apnea. Whether your doctor recommends surgery to remove tissue from the throat, or a device which forces the throat to remain open, sleep apnea can be treated.

There are several other factors that can contribute to snoring. If you are overweight you may find yourself with a snoring problem. This is because of the fatty deposits that can be found on the neck. They add pressure to the throat which in turn can cause an obstruction in the airway, resulting in snoring. Exercise and healthy eating habits are important to not only eliminate snoring but to reduce chances for weight-related healthy problems such as diabetes.

Alcohol is another potential contributing factor to snoring. Alcohol can make the throat muscles relax which can cause snoring. Similarly, sleeping pills and antihistamines can also cause this throat relaxation. Try not to drink alcohol or take antihistamines at least four hours before bed.

Determining the cause of your snoring is the easiest way of finding a cure. Make sure you speak with your physician to eliminate any serious conditions such as sleep apnea.

When it comes to sleeping disorders, sleep apnea and snoring are two that commonly come to mind. Few people know the differences between the two disorders, and the profound effects on your health they can have. What one may think is simple, normal snoring, can sometimes be a much more serious condition. Here are some of the properties of the two disorders, and how to distinguish them:

Simple snoring, known as primary snoring, is the result of an obstruction of air flow to the passages at the back of the mouth and the back of the throat. Your body is attempting to force air flow through these passages to get the oxygen it vitally needs to perform everyday functions. Snoring occurs where the tongue and the upper part of the throat meet the uvula and the soft palate, striking each other and vibrating while trying to breathe. Common reasons for snoring are suffering from poor muscle tone in the tongue and throat, the use of alcohol, antihistamines, or sleeping pills, excessive throat tissue bulk (often due to obesity), and obstructed nasal cavities.

Primary snoring, while not as harmful as sleep apnea, also has many adverse health effects that need to be taken under consideration if you or someone you love snores. Struggling violently to breathe whilst snoring can cause Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome, or UARS, which is a precursor to sleep apnea which results in extreme sleepiness, with such dangerous side-effects as falling asleep at the wheel whilst driving an automobile.

Sleep apnea is a very serious condition. It occurs when a snorer’s issue deteriorates to the point where their body actually experiences a lack of oxygen, causing pauses in breathing for at least 10 seconds, with as many as hundreds of pauses per night of sleep. This problem can cause daytime sleepiness, a 7 to 12 fold increase in automobile accidents, irritability, personality change, restless sleep, headaches, and shortness of breath. A long term exposure to sleep apnea can result in such problems as high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms, as well as heart failure and death. With such issues at hand as these, you can see why snoring can develop into such a serious problem. It is important to try your best to remedy the problem before it gets too bad to contain it. For example, if you are a snorer who only snores while lying on their back, there are a couple of different methods for helping the issue.

One solution to the problem that seems to work in most cases is to put a tennis ball into a sock and pin it to the back of your pants. The uncomfortable tennis ball will force your body into not sleeping on your back. Another method involves taking away the number of pillows you sleep on. The more pillows you use, the higher the angle your air passages must bend, giving a chance for further obstruction. Research the causes of snoring, and try to pinpoint why you might be experiencing the symptoms. Once you’ve got it figured out, you’re halfway to recovery. Good luck!