Snoring is something many people joke about, whether they are the one who snores, or their spouse keeps them up at night. But snoring is no laughing matter, as most often, snoring is a sign of some other health problem like sleep apnea or nasal obstruction.
Everyone Snores Sometimes. When Is It a Problem?
While everyone occasionally snores when they have a cold, are extremely tired, had a night out on the town and drank too much, or suffer from allergies, it’s chronic snoring that should be a concern. Chronic snoring can lead to other complications, including an inability to concentrate (which can impair driving and operating machinery) and high blood pressure.
What Causes Snoring?
Men are more likely to snore than women, and sometimes, a person can develop a structural defect in the septum that can cause them to snore. One of the biggest causes of snoring is weight gain. According to the Mayo Clinic, people who are overweight are more likely to snore and to suffer from sleep apnea. Because being overweight can also contribute to high blood pressure, snoring can be a serious cause for alarm in an obese person.
Should I See a Doctor About My Snoring?
While snoring is not always indicative of a major medical issue, any time you are concerned about how snoring is impacting your health, you should consult with a physician, including for the following:
- You go to sleep at night but wake up the next morning still feeling exhausted
- Your partner complains that your snoring has become more frequent or louder
- You are unable to concentrate during the day or struggle not to fall asleep while driving
- You experience chest pain
How to Treat Snoring
Because snoring is a symptom, it’s best to address the underlying symptoms leading to snoring. Eating healthier, trying to lose weight, and avoiding alcohol before bedtime can all help minimize snoring, but if you have developed sleep apnea, you may need to consider a CPAP machine, surgery, or non-invasive methods of treating snoring to protect your health (and your relationships).
If your snoring is preventing you from enjoying life and you are ready find a way to treat it, make an appointment today with eos sleep in NYC.