5 Reasons Your Snoring Isn’t Something to Ignore

Roommates and partners are not the only ones who are being affected by snoring! There are risks the noise-makers themselves should look out for. Check out some of the risks below.

Your Snoring May Mean Severe Health Concerns

There are specific reasons for snoring that can raise your risk for obstructive sleep apnea. Reasons such as having an enlarged uvula, a large tongue or being overweight can contribute to difficulty sleeping and other health concerns as well. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which the heart isn’t able to get enough oxygen to function properly and is not something to mess with.

You May Have Weak Mouth Tissue

Snoring occurs when there is a blockage of the respiratory airways due to a narrow throat or relaxed tissues of the mouth and throat. The changes in the shape of the tissue of the mouth and throat are the main reason people snore. More severe complications can arise if the tissue around the mouth and throat is weak and loose. These complications can also be caused by throat tissue touching in particularly narrow airways.

You May Have an Inflamed Throat

Smokers are more likely to snore because smoking causes inflammation of the throat which will narrow the throat and airways. Smoking causes many complications on its own, but an inflammation of the throat will prove to bring major sleep and health concerns. Some medications can help inflammation of the throat, which will help to better sleep altogether.

You May Have Sleep Apnea

Research shows that 25% of middle-aged men and 9% of middle-aged women suffer from sleep apnea, and it often goes undiagnosed and untreated. A symptom of sleep apnea is snoring because of the obstruction of the airways. People with sleep apnea have little episodes called “apneas” where the brain sends alert signals to the body, forcing a gasp, a gag or an extra powerful snore. Sleep apnea has been proven to increase the likeliness of having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart attacks and other cardiovascular conditions.

Loud Snoring Can Lead to Health Complications

Not all instances of snoring demonstrate other health complications. But a good rule of thumb is if you can hear snoring pretty clearly through a closed door that is a sign that your body is working too hard to get sufficient oxygen. It is a good idea to take the precaution and get your snoring checked out if this is the case! Arrange a visit with your physician today to discuss your snoring and conduct your home-based diagnostic testing with Vitalistics.