Snoring arises when air flow causes the tissues in the back of your throat to vibrate. This disruption in breathing typically happens while you are inhaling and may happen through your nose and/or mouth. Furthermore, snoring can occur in any sleep-stage.
Nearly 50 percent of individuals snore intermittently during their lifetimes. Although men are more likely to do so, a considerable number of women also snore. It appears that snoring is inherited and increases as one ages; statistics show that 40 percent of adult males and 24 percent of adult females are constant snorers. Interestingly, men's probability of snoring diminishes after 70 years old.
Sleeping on your back can increase your odds of snoring. Alcohol and other respiratory depressants may cause your throat muscles to relax, while a cold or allergies may cause nasal congestion, both of which can contribute to snoring.
Snoring can be bothersome for your partner and anyone else in the vicinity. It may even be loud enough to wake you during the night. Usually people are unaware that they snore. Furthermore, waking up with a dry mouth or a sore throat is not uncommon.
Light snoring may not have a major impact on your sleep quality, but loud, persistent snoring could indicate the presence of sleep apnea. This serious sleep disorder can put you at higher risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and several other health conditions.
Conservative therapies should be recommended to all those who snore, such as avoiding alcohol close to bedtime, quitting tobacco, slimming down and sleeping on their side.