Do you snore? How about your partner? parents? children? While snoring is not really an attractive trait, if you are sleeping in the same room as the person snoring, it is much more than a noisy nuisance. Snoring, especially loudly, is a serious health concern that needs to be addressed. “Loud snoring isn’t harmless; it could be that they are crying for help,” says Dr. Shirley Koeh, a functional medicine doctor based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.What is snoring
Snoring is noisy breathing while you sleep. This hoarse or harsh sound occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in the throat, causing the tissues to vibrate as you breathe. While most of the people snore every now and then, when it is persistent, it signals are chronic problem. Snoring can affect anyone, but it is often seen in people who are overweight. It also tends to worsen with age. Snoring could be a red flag
Dr. Koeh explains that while snoring could be normal, loud chronic snoring is not. “You think that snoring is completely normal because a lot of people snore, especially elderly, but here’s what no one tells you. Loud, chronic snoring can be a red flag sign of sleep apnea, a condition that quietly affects your brain health, your heart health, your daytime energy and also your longevity,” she said. Signs to watch: How to know if your snore is normal or chronic? Dr. Koeh shared some signs to watch for. They include:
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Waking up tired despite a full night’s sleep
- Pauses in breathing during sleep
- Frequent daytime naps
If you have the above-mentioned signs, Dr. Koeh says, it’s time to pay attention. She says, “Because this isn’t just about fixing sleep itself, it is also about protecting your heart and your brain.”
Some other signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Morning headaches
- Sore throat upon awakening
- Restless sleep
- Gasping or choking at night
- High blood pressure
- Chest pain at night
- Snoring disrupts your partner’s sleep
Look beyond the noisy nuisance
Dr. Koeh stresses the importance of treating snoring and its root causes. “We always have to look deeper, is something going on in your airway that’s blocking your breathing, any stress that is disturbing your sleep, and also overweight or even obesity. Because snoring isn’t just about the noise, it’s about communication, and you definitely deserve a deep healing rest,” she warns. It is important to find out the root cause and treat it before it progresses. Losing excess weight has also been shown to prevent snoring.