What Is Snoring?

Snoring is a problem that affects over 15 million people in the UK alone. More than just an annoying habit, it’s a sleep disorder that can be effectively treated. Many people see it as just a common problem. However, while it may be common it isn’t normal. Therefore sufferers should always seek treatment to stop it.

Understanding snoring

Snoring is caused when the soft tissue in the neck and head vibrates. The actual tissue that is affected will vary from person to person. The tissue affected could include:

• Nasal passages
• Base of the tongue
• Uvula
• Soft palate
• Tonsils

The Uvula is located between the tonsils, while the soft palate is located at the back of the roof of the mouth. Your tonsils are two glands found at the back of the mouth, just above the tongue.

There could be many reasons why a person starts to snore and it’s important to get checked over by a doctor before you seek treatment. If it isn’t treated, there has been evidence to suggest that the snoring will actually become worse as time goes on.

Who snores?

There’s a myth circulating that only men snore. However, there are many women who snore and it can also occur in children too.

A few interesting facts

Below you’ll find some facts about snoring, as well as what the healthcare provider will look for when assessing the problem.

1. • • Snoring affects approximately 40% of the population in the UK
     • 1% of people who snore also have obstructive sleep apnoea
     • Pregnant women have a higher risk of hypertension if they snore frequently
     • It affects more men than women

When you go to your doctor they will look at numerous things to establish your snoring pattern. You’ll need to tell them how long you have been snoring and how long it typically lasts, whether it’s worse in a particular position and whether your weight has recently changed. Once you’ve answered all of the questions, you’ll be examined and in some cases you may need to undergo a sleep study.

There are both surgical and non-surgical treatments available and it’s important to establish the cause and severity of your snoring before a treatment is recommended. You’ll also be recommended a few lifestyle changes to decrease your chances of snoring. Doing just a few simple things such as cutting down on your alcohol consumption could really make all of the difference.

Overall snoring can be a big problem and it isn’t just something you have to put up with. There are many different treatments available that could eliminate the problem completely. So it makes sense to go to your doctors to establish why you’re snoring and what the best treatment method would be.

Improving the condition will not only ensure you have a great night’s sleep, but it will also help to improve your relationships and make life easier for the people you love. You could have a serious underlying medical condition that is causing the problem so it’s best to check it out just to give you a peace of mind.