Is Snoring Bad?
Up to 45% of people are affected by snoring while sleeping. So is snoring bad? Humans are designed to breathe through their noses. When we breathe through our mouths, our bodies miss out on many key benefits.
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How Humans Should Breath
Breathing through your nose allows your body to take in more oxygen. Breathing in and out of the nose triggers the lower lung region to distribute more oxygen throughout the body. The benefits of nose breathing are:
- The nostrils and sinuses filter the air while warming and humidifying it.
- Increase airflow to arteries, veins, and nerves improving circulation.
- Aiding and supporting the immune system
- Lower your risk of hay fever and allergies
- Supporting the development of facial bones and muscles that leads to the correct formation of teeth and mouth.
Common Causes of Snoring
The combination of a narrowed airway and a forceful airflow can cause audible snoring. During the progression of rest from light sleep to deep sleep, the body starts to relax. The muscles in the mouth, tongue, and throat relax and can block some of the airway and vibrate and lead to snoring. So is snoring bad? Factors that can lead to snoring are:
- Body Anatomy: The extra tissues around the face and neck associated with obesity can narrow the airway and lead to decreased air intake and snoring.
- Enlarged Adenoids and Tonsils: Adenoid glands and tonsils are located in the back of the mouth. When swollen or enlarged, the body compensates by mouth breathing and snoring.
- Deviated Septum: This occurs when the septum leans towards one side and blocks the nasal airflow. Snoring while sleeping is caused by a compromised airway.
- Nasal Congestion: Chronic congestion associated with illnesses or allergies blocks the nasal passageway causing snoring.
- Alcohol Consumption: Consuming too much alcohol for you can lead to more relaxed airway muscles and decreases your body’s natural efforts against airway obstruction. This will lead to mouth breathing and snoring.
Is Snoring Bad?
The amount of people who snore while sleeping continues to increase. The average person sleeps around 229,961 hours during a lifetime. Is snoring bad and does it impact your life? If you’re snoring, your body is not getting enough oxygen and the quality of sleep continues to decrease.
- Poor Sleep Quality: Breathing through the mouth while sleeping causes decreased levels of blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the body. This triggers the brain to change adrenaline and cortisol levels to compensate and affecting the quality of sleep.
- Systemic Diseases: Breathing through the nose produces Nitric Oxide which dilates the blood vessels and improves blood flow. Low Nitric Oxide levels are associated with heart disease, stroke, heart attacks, erectile dysfunction, digestive issues, dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease.
- Poor Oral Health: Breathing through the mouth decreases saliva flow. The saliva has minerals to help neutralize bacteria, clean off the teeth, and rehydrate the tissues. Without it, your risk of gum disease and cavities increases. Check out our Healthy Smile Guide for more tips.
How To Stop Snoring
There are many different ways to treat snoring and improve the quality of sleep. Every person is unique. Consult medical your doctor and dentist on the different treatment options below.
- Mouth Tape: Placing a strip of mouth tape over the lips will prompt the body to keep the mouth close and breathe through the nose while sleeping.
- Optimal Sleeping Positions: Keeping the head elevated with a pillow and laying on the back while sleeping will open up the airways and promote nasal breathing
- Orthodontics: Intervention with braces can expand the roof of the mouth and align the teeth to open up the airway. For more information on braces options, Comprehensive Braces Guide.
- Laser-Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP): This procedure uses lasers to reduce the soft tissue in the mouth and throat to reduce airway obstruction that leads to snoring.
- Adenoidectomy: This surgical procedure removes enlarged and infected adenoids to promote opening up the airway.
- Tonsillectomy: Similar concept to an Adenoidectomy, removing infected and enlarged tonsils will open up the airway.
- Septoplasty: Repairing deviated septums through surgery can alleviate pressure, open up the nasal passageways, and promote nasal breathing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to snore every night?
Snoring at night is common but abnormal. Your body should breathe through the nose to receive all the benefits of breathing. Talk to your medical doctor and dentist today to help you stop snoring.
When should I be worried about snoring?
Do not worry or stress out by snoring. Snoring may be caused by a number of reasons or be a symptom of another disease. It’s important for your long-term health and quality of life to work with your medical doctor and dentist to help you stop snoring.
What is the main cause of snoring?
The most common cause of snoring is an obstructive airway disrupting the flow of air into the body. Talk to your medical doctor or dentist to help you stop snoring.
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