Whether it was a family member growing up or your mate after a big night out, we’ve all experienced a serious snorer. You know the drill: you’re lying there, ready to drift off in a restful sleep yourself, when bang, what sounds like a struggling car engine starts reverberating throughout the house, causing you and whoever else is present to go mad in the middle of the night!
And, whilst snoring is often viewed as an annoying issue that everyone could do without, it can also be a key indicator that said snorer is suffering from serious health conditions, regardless of how few or many decibels are in each snort.
If the issue is a serious problem, then it’s probably a good idea to consider the best snoring treatments Melbourne has available, or consider visiting your GP to shed some light on the situation.
We are going to look more into the issue below and when it is a good idea to do something about it:
So, is it normal to snore?
The issue becomes more common as people get older, indulge in drinking and/or smoking and if they are overweight. The problem occurs when the throat muscles relax when sleeping and vibrate when air starts to flow. As extra weight is often the cause of enlarged tonsils, extra neck weight or an enlarged tongue, it can be difficult to breathe easily with enclosed breathing passages.
But is it normal to snore? Yes, it is, but just periodically, as certain anatomical alterations in the nose or throat can make passageways narrow in the throat and cause these unwanted sounds. Therefore, an abnormal anatomical structure can be considered a cause of “normal snoring”.
Another typical case when the issue is not a problem is nose and throat inflammation due to a cold, allergy or other respiratory problem. Breathing is temporarily problematic and can cause the sufferer to snore. This can also be caused by poor sleeping positions, and choosing a better position can fix the issue.
When it is is a problem
What seems like a minor, annoying inconvenience can actually be part of a greater issue, and can be the sign of a serious health problem, including diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease, stroke, accidents and mental health problems.
Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of a problematic snorer:
- Their breathing pauses in the night;
- Loud or frequent snoring;
- Awaking during the night with trouble breathing;
- Restless sleep;
- Weight gain;
- High blood pressure;
- Morning headaches;
- Poor concentration;
- Sleepiness in the daytime;
If you notice your loved one experiencing any of these symptoms, we strongly suggest seeing a doctor.
Is loud snoring normal? No – it is a common symptom of sleep apnea. A softer sound is considered less of an issue, but this doesn’t mean it should be ignored altogether, as it could be caught out as an early sign of the condition, too.
Consult your dentist or GP if necessary
Regardless of whether the issue is part of a greater problem or not, there are multiple treatment options available for the different root causes. This may include a visit to a dentist who provides treatments for such conditions, or it may include visiting your GP to find out more about what could be causing the serious issue.
Regardless, it’s important to find out what is causing the problem if it appears to be attributed to a larger health concern – you could be doing your general health a real favour!
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