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. A confirmative diagnosis may also be made by a sleep specialist after conducting a sleep test where the patient is required to sleep overnight at the sleep center of a hospital under the supervision of a sleep expert. The test will record eye movement, brain signals, blockages etc of the patient before coming up with results.
The next post on Snoring – A Bane to Health And Relationships, will cover treatment options available and lifestyle adjustments a person suffering from snoring can make in order to manage the condition more effectively and lead a fuller life.
(Source: American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. URL: http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/snoring.cfm).
Mamta Singh is a published author (Migraines for the Informed Woman – Tips from a Sufferer. Publisher: Rupa & Co.), seasoned business, creative and academic writer.
She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. Mamta runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business, and is presently training as a Holistic Healing Therapist from the U.K. She is a registered practitioner with the UN-recognized Art of Living Foundation.
Link: http://www.migrainingjenny.wordpress.com and http://www.footstrike.wordpress.com