You might not know that you snore at night, but those that sleep close to you sure do. While complaints about snoring are not always kind or well received, they shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Snoring doesn’t necessarily mean that you have an underlying medical condition, but it can sometimes be a sign of a serious sleep disorder, including sleep apnea. Snoring is common among people of all ages. Some of the common causes of snoring include:
- Later stages of pregnancy
- Irregularly shaped bones in the face
- Swelling of the tonsils and adenoids
- Alcohol consumption
- Sleeping pill use
- Large base of the tongue or unusually large tongue and small mouth
- Congestion
- Overweight
- Swollen areas inside the mouth (including the uvula and soft palate)
Don’t lose hope; there are ways to help prevent that snoring habit you have. Preparations before bedtime and changes to your sleeping style can help you reduce your snoring. These tips include:
- Use nasal strips (without medication) that allow more air into the nostrils
- Don’t drink alcohol or take a sedative just before bedtime
- Maintain a healthy weight; work to drop excess pounds
- Try sleeping on your side instead of on your back
Snoring can affect your sleep, leaving you dragging the next day. And inadequate sleep can greatly affect your health. Speak with your family physician if your snoring is a problem and he or she can determine if you need to see a Baptist Health Sleep Medicine specialist. Your doctor can help diagnose any potential medical conditions affecting your sleep and find ways to minimize snoring to help you – and your partner – get a restful night’s sleep so every day you can keep on amazing.