5 min read
Snoring can signify underlying health issues and severely disrupt both the snorer and their partner's sleep. Drawing on the expertise of accredited medical professionals and sleep specialists, this article delves into the complexities of snoring, examining its causes, repercussions, and effective management strategies.
Understanding snoring: a medical perspective
Dr. Jennifer Smith, MD, FRCP, a distinguished pulmonologist specialising in sleep medicine at St. Thomas Hospital, underscores the significance of comprehending the physiological mechanisms behind snoring: "Snoring arises when airflow is obstructed during sleep, resulting in vibrations in the soft tissues of the throat. While sporadic snoring is common, persistent snoring may signal underlying issues such as sleep apnea." Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterised by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. These interruptions, which can last from seconds to minutes, occur repeatedly throughout the night. The two main types are obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), caused by relaxed throat muscles obstructing the airway, and central sleep apnea (CSA), due to the brain failing to signal breathing muscles properly.
Anatomy can also be the reason behind your nightly honks, snorts and rumbles. Light or occasional snoring isn't normally cause for concern, but loud, consistent snores can point to something else. "Anatomical irregularities, such as a deviated septum or enlarged tonsils, can constrict the airway and predispose individuals to snoring. Addressing these structural anomalies through medical intervention or surgical correction can often alleviate snoring symptoms", says Dr. David Patel, MBBS, FRCS (ORL-HNS), an otolaryngologist practising at the London Clinic.
Consequences of untreated snoring
Unfortunately, for those that struggle with snoring, it is not merely something to be brushed under the rug. If left untreated, it can have significant impact on your health and wellbeing. "Persistent snoring has been associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular complications, daytime fatigue, and cognitive impairment. It is imperative to recognise snoring as more than a mere nuisance and take proactive measures to address it", says Dr. Sarah Jones, MBChB, MRCP, a sleep specialist affiliated with the Royal Papworth Hospital.
So what does snoring do to your sleep? Dr. Michael Brown, MD, PhD, a neurologist specialising in sleep disorders at the Manchester Sleep Centre, says snoring has a significant impact on your sleep quality - and of course, on your partners, too. "Snoring disrupts the normal sleep architecture, leading to fragmented sleep patterns and diminished REM sleep. Over time, this can result in daytime somnolence and impaired cognitive function," says Dr Brown, which is doctor-speak for not being able to sleep as long or as deeply as you need. REM sleep is essential for mental and emotional health. It helps consolidate memories, regulate emotions, and foster creativity. Lack of REM sleep can lead to memory issues, mood disturbances, and increased stress. Prioritising REM sleep is crucial for overall cognitive function, emotional well-being, and mental health.
Management strategies and treatment options
Thankfully, there are many treatment options out there to help snorers. Dr. Emily Clark, BDS, MSc, a dentist specialising in sleep apnea treatment at Harley Street Dental Clinic, says that, "For individuals with mild to moderate snoring or sleep apnea, oral appliances such as mandibular advancement devices can be highly effective. These devices reposition the jaw during sleep, preventing airway collapse and mitigating snoring." Research on these devices show that they don't work for everyone, particularly people who have an overbite, as they can misalign the jaw and cause pain. However, for those without over or underbites, the devices have fairly widespread and immediate success.
Dr. Thomas White, RRT, RPSGT, a respiratory therapist practising at the National Sleep Clinic in Edinburgh, says making lifestyle adjustments is "the initial line of defence against snoring". His main three are weight management, abstaining from alcohol before bedtime, and adopting a side-sleeping position. Products such as sleep positioners and anti snoring pillows are a good step in improving the position of your body, neck and head while sleeping. To help increase airflow through the nose rather than the mouth, a chin strap can be used to hold the mouth closed while nasal dilators and nasal strips can be used to open the nasal cavity and improve breathing.
Suffering from loud, consistent snoring can mean underlying health issues which are best to see a medical professional about. A sleep study is the best diagnostic tool used to determine whether you are experiencing sleep apnea and can measure how severe it is. If you want to reduce the impact of your snoring immediately, anti snoring solutions and devices, like sleep positioners, specialised ergonomic pillows, mandibular advancement devices, and nasal cavity dilators, can be a good starting point, particularly when used together. The time to treat your snoring is now so you can get the rejuvenating sleep you, your body and your partners, needs.