Do you or your partner snore? Studies funded by the Victorian government found that a whopping 20% of Australia’s population suffers from “sawing logs”. More than that, snoring can directly cause some damaging physical and mental effects that might affect your sleep quality and everyday life. If you struggle with this problem, you might find it worthwhile to invest in a snoring device that can help with your problem.
So what exactly happens when you snore?
Snoring can be quite common, and even the quietest sleepers might occasionally make sleep sounds. Snoring happens when air flowing through the relaxed tissues in the throat cause vibrations and can be exacerbated by narrower airways or obstructions.
While it’s usually normal, sometimes snoring can be a sign of a major health condition. When coupled with sleep apnea, the sleeper may stop breathing while unconscious and lead to interrupted sleep. Here are a few other potential negative conditions linked to snoring:
GERD
The long name of GERD is “gastroesophageal reflux disease.”, and it is more serious the heartburn after a big meal. Many people who present with sleep apnea often also have GERD, potentially because of the improper way the throat closes controls air flow in sleep.
Studies show that being overweight or obese is also closely-linked to sleep apnea and GERD, which is why losing body fat is an accepted recommendation to help treat both health disorders.
Headaches
Interrupted sleep from sleep disorders like sleep apnea and insomnia can cause headaches due to lack of sleep. Studies show that individuals functioning on less regular sleep have a lower life expectancy compared to those who sleep well.
Exhaustion
The long-term effects of snoring might be more unsettling than they might seem at first. One reason is that daytime sleepiness can translate to work injuries and accidents, endangering you and other people. If you know you’re going to spend some time behind the wheel, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.
Weight Gain
Studies run by the Australian government found that two-thirds of Australians are either overweight or obese. High body fat has been linked to sleep apnea, inflammation and many other disorders that interrupt sleep. Extra weight in the neck area or around your throat can make breathing in sleep more difficult.
Arrhythmia and Stroke
Struggling with snoring or sleep apnea can cause long-term strain on your heart. Snorers experience a greater risk of atrial fibrillation, the most common kind of arrhythmia. There are also studies that have linked snoring to a narrowing of neck arteries, or atherosclerosis. Though researchers are still studying the link, it’s theorized that fatty deposits obstructing blood vessels could trigger a stroke in your sleep.
Contrary to what you might think, snoring isn’t a condition you have to live with forever. While maintaining fitness and avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking can reduce conditions related to snoring, losing weight or maintaining a healthy lifestyle isn’t always easy, fast or cheap.
That’s why there are plenty of snoring devices available online that are specifically designed to help you get a good night’s sleep. You can even visit sleep doctors and specialists, but many cheap devices have glowing reviews promising that they actually work.
While snoring might be funny at first, the long-term ramifications of the condition are anything but. Addressing your snoring can be a good way to ensure that you and your partner can achieve peaceful sleep.