When you’re sleeping, the tissues in your throat might relax, making it hard for air to pass. As a result, you end up snoring due to the vibrations in the tissues when air flows through. If people have been complaining of you snoring or noisy breathing during the night, you might be wondering, “Why do I snore?”
Everyone experiences snoring once in a while in their lifetime. Therefore, one might wonder, “Is snoring normal?” Snoring is very common, but it suggests another problem.
Hence, it can be a chronic issue for some people. Moreover, it can hint at an underlying condition, like Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder. Loud snoring and pauses in breathing throughout the night signify the presence of this disorder. To explain further, if you have OSA, you stop breathing for 10 seconds to one minute multiple times throughout the night. For this reason, you might wake up with a loud gasp or a snort. It is possible that your breathing will slow down and not stop at night.
If you also experience the following symptoms, it might be the answer to your “why do I snore?” question.
- Observed pauses in breathing during sleep.
- Trouble concentrating
- Headaches in the morning
- Daytime sleepiness
- A sore throat or dry mouth after you wake up.
- High blood pressure
- Gasping or choking during nighttime.
- Irritability
- Loud snoring
Children can also get OSA, and in them, it might look like changes or issues in behavior, low attention span, and unsatisfactory performance in school.
If you experience the above-mentioned symptoms, you might want to visit a doctor to address your query, “Why do I snore?”
How to Stop Snoring?
To help with sleep apnea, your doctor will suggest these treatments:
- Losing weight in case you’re overweight.
- Avoid alcohol consumption. However, if you do drink, make sure not to do it before you go to bed.
- Regular Exercise
- Quit smoking
- Opening nasal passages.
- Try not to sleep on your back.
If your sleep apnea is severe, you might need other options:
- Positive Airway Pressure Devices (CPAP, BPAP, APAP)
- Oral Devices or Mouthpieces
In some cases, surgery is considered the best option for treating sleep apnea. These treatments will help open your upper airway passage so that the air can flow freely. Therefore, you can bid snoring adieu.
Other Causes of Snoring:
Not everyone has sleep apnea. There can be other factors behind your snoring, so if you are wondering, “Why am I snoring all of a sudden?” It can include the following reasons:
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Nasal Congestion
- Anatomy of your mouth
- Sleeping Position
- Drinking Alcohol
Although, the reasons are not limited to the ones mentioned above.
The Closing Word
Obstructive Sleep Apnea can cause snoring, which can be a nuisance. However, OSA can cause many other problems as well. Thus, if you wonder, “Why do I snore?” go to your doctor. Or you can contact Pasadena Oral Surgery at (281) 299 0053.