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When Does Snoring Become Dangerous For Our Health?
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Time to read 3 min
What causes snoring?
Nearly everyone snores every now and then. Often, tiredness or being a bit stuffed up can cause people to be a bit louder in their sleep than usual. However, for the most part, the NHS advises that snoring is not usually a sign of something serious.
Lifestyle-related causes of regular snoring commonly include, but are not limited to:
- smoking
- excess alcohol consumption
- having a higher BMI
- sleeping on your back
The sound of snoring can be cause by your tongue partially blocking your airwaves during sleep. It can also occur if you sleep with your mouth wide open. The nose may also be a factor, if your nasal breathing is not at full capacity.
Signs you may be snoring without realising
If there isn't someone sharing your bed telling you that you're too noisy, you may be unaware you spend many of your nights snoring.
If any of these are a regular occurrence in your waking life, it may be a sign you secretly snore:
- dry mouth or sore throat
- headaches
- fatigue
- irritability
- low energy, productivity, or difficulty concentrating
When does snoring become bad for our health?
It's okay to snore every now and then, as it's not inherently a sign of poor health. However, the NHS advises seeking medical treatment if:
- Changing your habits is unsuccessful in combating your snoring
- Your snoring seriously affects you or your partner's sleep, or energy and focus the next day
- You wake up in the middle of the night
- Your breathing stops and starts, or you find yourself making gasping or choking noises during sleep
Related health issues
The most direct medical condition related to snoring is sleep apnoea. Sleep apnoea occurs when your breathing stops and starts suddenly during sleep. Any of the main symptoms listed above, such as uneven breathing, making noises, obstructed airways, or daytime tiredness occur, seek medical advice to get a full diagnosis, testing, and treatment.
Other health issues, such poor posture, high blood pressure, alcoholism, etc are less direct health issues. Snoring is more a symptom rather than a straight sign of these conditions existing.
Remedies for snoring problems
The most helpful remedy for snoring depends on the severity of your snoring. For occasional snorers, some shop-bought nasal strips - or earplugs for your partner - could be enough.
Serious lifestyle changes, such as proper posture, regular bedtimes, or cutting down on booze and cigarettes may be required to combat smoking, if it's a symptom of a wider health issue.
Those with serious conditions like sleep apnoea are unlikely to see improvement without proper care. Sometimes, surgeries for chronic snoring will be recommended, or sleeping with a CPAP machine attached to their face at bedtime.
Almost everyone snores, and occasional snoring is notusually a sign of anything serious.
People can snore often without realising. Tiredness during the day is usually the most obvious symptom.
Serious health problems, related to snoring, like sleep apnoea, require formal medical diagnosis and treatment to improve.
Are nasal strips effective for snoring?
Nasal strips can be effective in combating snoring, but not if it's a chronic condition, such as sleep apnoea.
Can exercise improve snoring?
Yes, regular exercise is a form of practicing good sleep hygiene. This will help improve the quality of your sleep, and thus help decrease snoring.
The Myza Editorial Team
The Myza Editorial Team works together to create and curate The Sleep Journal, a series of blog posts designed to help our customers with frequently asked questions and curiosities regarding everything in the world of sleep, from sleeping positions to skin and hair care. We also provide regular shopping guides, interviews, and reviews to provide insight into our hand-picked brand collaborations and the benefits they have to offer.
