Snoring – Causes and Cures

If you sleep next to someone who snores, you know what it’s like. Constantly being woken up in the middle of the night, being pushed sideways only to wake up again when they back off. The snoring does not seem to bother the sleeper, but it can bother their partner so much that there are several snoring attacks a year from their sleeping partners. Before you decide to hit your snoring partner with large, heavy objects, there are some medical reasons for snoring that you should be aware of.

Relaxed muscles in the throat caused by alcohol or over-the-counter sleep medications can cause snoring, large tonsils or adenoids can also cause snoring. Clogged nasal passages, like nasal congestion, can cause snoring, so if the snorer is sensitive during hay fever season, that could be the reason. If the snoring is very loud, harsh and constant, there are doctors and sleep clinics specially designed to help with sleep disorders and surgery may be needed.

Snoring followed by the sleeper appearing to stop breathing completely is called sleep apnea and is a very serious condition. Sleep apnea can cause heart problems, high blood pressure, impotence, weight gain, and headaches. Therefore, you should seek medical advice and attention.

If the snoring is mild, you can take some preventative measures. Regular exercise and weight loss can help. Also, avoid taking medications that make you drowsy, and try to sleep on your side rather than on your back. Propping a pillow behind you can help prevent you from rolling onto your back during the night and disturbing your sleeping partner again.