Did you know that up to 90% of adults snore at least occasionally, and 37% are habitual snorers? Snoring is more common in men than women and usually becomes more pronounced as we age. But what exactly is snoring, and how can you tell if you’re doing it?
What is snoring?
Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the nose and mouth is obstructed. This can be due to a variety of things, including nasal congestion, alcohol consumption, sleep position, and even certain medications. When the airflow is obstructed, the soft palate and uvula vibrate, which creates the snoring sound. One way to prevent this is to buy a bruxism splint online.
Here are five signs that you might be snoring every night:
- You have trouble staying asleep
If you find yourself tossing and turning all night long, chances are good that snoring is to blame. One of the main reasons people snore is because they sleep on their back. This position allows the tongue to fall back into the throat, which then obstructs the airflow. If you find yourself waking up frequently throughout the night, it might be time to switch positions.
- Your partner nags you about your snoring
If your partner says you snore loudly every single night, there’s a good chance they’re telling the truth. Most people who snore are unaware of it because they’re asleep when it happens. However, if your partner says your snoring sounds like a freight train, it’s probably time to see a doctor.
- You have morning headaches
If you wake up with a headache every morning, it could be due to dehydration from breathing through your mouth all night long. When you snore, your mouth doesn’t produce saliva, which can lead to dryness and irritation. If you wake up with a headache and have a hard time shaking it off during the day, try sleeping with a humidifier next to your bed.
- You always feel tired during the day
Daytime fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnoea – a serious sleep disorder that causes people to stop breathing for short periods of time throughout the night. If you find yourself feeling exhausted all day long (even after getting a full eight hours of sleep) speak to your doctor about getting tested for sleep apnoea.
- You have trouble concentrating during the day
Do you find yourself zoning out during meetings or struggling to stay focused on simple tasks? It might be due to lack of quality sleep at night. When you don’t get enough deep REM sleep, it can affect your ability to focus and function during the day. If this sounds like something you deal with on a daily basis, make an appointment with your doctor.
We hope this information has been helpful
Snoring is more common than most people realise – but that doesn’t mean it’s normal. If you think you might be snoring, take note of these five signs and talk to your doctor about possible solutions. From changing your sleep position to using a humidifier at night, there are ways to lessen – or even eliminate – your snoring problem. Don’t let snoring keep you or your partner from getting a good night’s rest anymore!