6 Things That Could Be To Blame For Your Snoring Problem

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As a kid, you probably thought that snoring only affected old people in rocking chairs. And while snoring typically affects men and older adults, women and younger people aren’t immune. Chances are that, regardless of age or gender, you or someone you know snores regularly. In the United States, roughly 40 percent of adult men and 24 percent of adult women snore on a regular basis.

Snoring isn’t just a nightly annoyance that sparks fights between you and your partner. It makes it difficult for your body to accrue quality sleep and can lead to some serious health problems down the line, such as heart disease. To find the right remedy for your snoring problem, it’s important to first understand why it is happening in the first place. Here are the six of the most common triggers for snoring.

1.  Sleep Apnea

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There are various causes of sleep apnea, one of them being excessive weight gain — especially in individuals who tend to gain weight around the neck area. People who have thicker necks may have narrower airwaves, which is a common cause of sleep apnea. You’ll know that you have sleep apnea if your snoring is typically interrupted by periods of silence and followed by snorts or gasps.

If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, consult your doctor immediately, as this medical condition could increase your blood pressure and put you at a higher risk for developing heart disease. The good news is that if you have sleep apnea as a result of excessive weight gain, it should go away once you lose those extra pounds. Pregnant women are also at a higher risk of developing sleep apnea during their third trimester.

Treatments for sleep apnea are determined by the severity of each case. They range from surgery to at-home care, like the use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine that relieves nighttime breathing problems by pumping a steady flow of air through your nose throughout the night. Sexy.

2. Deviated Nasal Septum

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Not just an excuse to get a nose job, a deviated nasal septum is a common snoring culprit. People with deviated nasal septums typically have nose tissue that is pushed to one side, which creates an uneven flow of air through the nostrils. You could have a deviated nasal septum if you get regular nosebleeds, experience constant nasal congestion, have frequent sinus infections and often experience trouble breathing. Having a deviated nasal septum is usually a result of breaking your nose or due to a genetic predisposition.

If your deviated nasal septum is causing you serious sleeping problems, your doctor might recommend that you get septoplasty, a surgical procedure performed entirely through the nostrils that should not cause any bruising or swelling of the face. The use of a commercial nasal dilator could also help people with deviated septums get better sleep by increasing the airflow through the nostrils. A deviated septum doesn’t necessarily make you a snorer, but if you do snore, it could be to blame.

3. Enlarged Tonsils

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Having excessively large tonsils, the two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of your throat, could cause snoring. When tonsils are enlarged, their size interferes with the air passage when you breathe at night, leading you to snore. Tonsils usually become larger due to inflammation caused by frequent infections (like ear infections or strep throat), but some people are also born with bigger tonsils.

If you suspect that enlarged tonsils are causing you to snore, consult your doctor. In most cases, he or she will probably prescribe antibiotics to clear the inflammation. In extreme cases, your doctor might recommend that you get your tonsils removed via a tonsillectomy, which is basically an excuse to eat a lot of ice cream.

4. Seasonal Allergies

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If you’re one of the lucky people who experiences seasonal allergies, you’re not alone — 30 percent of adults are affected by seasonal allergies in the U.S. Other than causing compulsive sneezing and itchy eyes, seasonal allergies could also lead to snoring. Allergens irritate and inflame the nasal passages and cause nasal congestion. All of these lovely symptoms prompt your upper airway to narrow, making it harder for you to breath at night, which can lead you to snore.

You can reduce the effects of seasonal allergies by avoiding common allergens, such as pollen and dust, as much as possible and by taking over-the-counter allergy medications like Zyrtec or Allegra.

5. The Tendency To Sleep On Your Back

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Back sleeping usually gets the gold star compared to other sleeping positions because it keeps your spine properly aligned and can help prevent wrinkles on your face. However, it also leads to snoring in some individuals. Sleeping on your back can cause your tongue to become excessively relaxed and fall to the back of your throat, obstructing your airway and causing a vibrating sound we know as snoring.

If you’re a typical back sleeper and you think that this habit might be to blame for your snoring, try sleeping on your side instead. Consider buying a body pillow to help ease you into the side-sleeping life.

6. One Too Many Drinks

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Your daily post-work happy hour habit may be to blame for nightly snoring. Alcohol is a muscle relaxant, and consuming it before bed on a regular basis typically leads to excessive relaxation of the throat muscles that help you hold your throat open at night which, in turn, could lead to snoring.

If you’re prone to snoring, try to avoid alcohol altogether (at least during the week) or keep your consumption down to one glass per night. Also, aim to abstain from drinking at least three to four hours before hitting the sack.

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