The Echoes Of Snoring - Part 1
Almost no one is alien to snoring. Statistics point out that at least 45 percent of all normal adults snore occasionally, out of which 25 percent are habitual snorers.
This means if one does not snore herself, she has definitely been exposed to the condition at one time or another either because of a snoring spouse, parent, relative or friend. It may come across as shocking, but the relation between divorces and snoring as a reason cited for the relationship problem may be higher than we believe. Apart from the personal and social bane, snoring is often a pointer to serious health conditions and is a health problem in itself.
Snoring as we know is the sound caused during sleeping by the obstruction of the air movement due to the vibration in the respiratory structure of the person snoring. However, there are a multitude of other reasons that could be the culprit for snoring, such as the narrowing of the airway brought about by anomalies of the uvula and pharynx structure in the throat, or due to poor sleep posture.
Otolaryngologists (ENT Specialists) also point to factors such as:
Heredity, especially with respect to throat structure such as enlarged adenoids or a narrow throat
Misaligned jaw
Use of alcohol, cigarettes and relaxant drugs that cause the tongue to move back into the mouth while sleeping
Suffering from asthma, allergies or sinus infections
Being overweight
Fat build-up inside and around the throat
The closure of the throat passage during sleep due to the weakness of the throat muscles to stay open
Studies have also shown that with increase of age, the incidence of snoring become greater for the same sample group. (Source: Study name- Epidemiological data on snoring and cardiocirculatory disturbances. Researchers- Lugaresi E., Cirignotta F., Coccoagna G. et al. (1980), Sleep 3, 221–224.)
Diagnosis of snoring is for obvious reasons made by a partner/spouse who hears and is affected by the condition of the patient during her/his sleeping hours.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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While some people who snore may have sleep apnea, most do not. It should be made clear that sleep apnea and snoring are not necessarily synonymous. Snoring can exist without sleep apnea and sleep apnea can exist without any signs of snoring. The existence of a sleep apnea problem can only be diagnosed by qualified medical professional. If you detect pauses in your partner's breathing during sleep, whether during snoring or not, you should seek the advice of a professional. That being said most people who snore do not have sleep apnea.
April 28, 2010 - 12:10pmThe main concern with snoring then becomes... who is suffering from the sounds of it?
convincing one's partner to do something about their own snoring is a difficult, often insurmountable task. First the snorer has to be convinced that they do snore. Then they have to be convinced that it is a serious problem. Finally, they need to be convinced to start and continue to do something proactively about it.
Until recently there has been no way to completely ignore the sound of someone else snoring, so partners either suffer through it or move to another room.
Everybody should be told that there is a way to put an end to the suffering and it can be done immediately. Learn how to solve your partner snoring problem right now at www.SnorEraser.com
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Appreciate your views Anonymous. They are clearly not the same breathing condition lest they would not have different diagnosis and different treatment. My article on sleep apnea as you see chalks out the different causal factors/symptoms/treatment options etc.
May 6, 2010 - 12:36pm