Snoring Facts
- Snoring takes place when the air passage is impeded, therefore inhibiting simple and normal breathing during sleep.
- Snoring can be caused by a nasal blockage (i.e. when somebody has a cold) and as the personal is force to breathe through their mouth they can begin to snore. When the mouth is open, the tongue gets pushed back and makes the uvula to push against the back of the throat.
- The noise level of snoring increases as the breathing passage becomes more blocked.
- Muscles in the airway are kept open when you are awake, but sag inwards during sleep. Snoring occurs when these muscles collapse (i.e. become too lax), creating a blockage at the airway.
- Snoring can be a hereditary condition.
- An air blockage whereby the muscles of the throat either become too lax or swell can be caused by smoking, alcohol, sleeping pills, enlarged tonsils, blocked nose, sinusitis, an allergy to mold, dust, eggs or wheat, cough mixture containing dextromethorphan and excess body weight. A big uvula & deformities in the nasal pathway are two more reasons.
- Overweight middle-aged (or older) men and overweight menopausal women may develop a snore.
- For some, snoring can also take place in a seated position.
- Unless they are told, most snorers do not realize they snore. However, some people can hear themselves snore when they are half awake.
- Nose blockages or large adenoids is usually the cause of snoring in children. Snoring may also occur in small babies as their airways are still relatively small.
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