Snoring occurs when the tongue falls back into the back of the throat and causes an obstruction in the airway.
Snoring reduces deep, quality restorative sleep. This results in extreme tiredness through the following day, which affects personal, intellectual and physical performance and negatively impacts quality of life.
Obstruction of the airway causes the heart rate to fall below normal with decreases in blood oxygen levels. The obstruction will not clear until blood oxygen levels fall low enough to trigger the brain to send a signal for a release of adrenaline to prevent suffocation. The airway obstruction is usually (but tragically not always) broken with a gasp for air and, due to the adrenaline release, an increased heart rate.
Reduced blood oxygen levels during the night also causes the brain to send signals through the nervous system to protect vital organs, the heart and the brain. Blood vessels are instructed to tighten up, to increase the blood flow to ensure the heart and brain get the required amount of oxygen to compensate for the low blood oxygen levels.
This tightening of the blood vessels causes hypertension and high blood pressure. Night-induced blood pressure continues into the day, even with normal breathing.
The reduced oxygen levels in the blood can also stimulate the production of red blood cells, compensating for low blood oxygen levels. This thickens the blood and slows circulation, worsening the overall situation.
Social and health consequences of snoring
- Snoring is number three on the list of reasons for divorce in married couples (only infi delity and fi nances are
blamed before snoring1
- Snoring is distressing for sleep partners
- Sleep deprivation has a negative impact on well-being and quality of life
- Snoring is an embarrassment when traveling with others
- Snorers experience tiredness, morning headaches, dry mouth, relationship diffi culties, lower blood oxygen levels
and other associated consequences
- New research has shown that loud snoring poses serious health risks
References
- The causes of snoring: A nemesis in many a bedroom. Dr. David W. Sparks
Current Snoring treatments
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