Causes for snoring
There are different reasons why people snore. Snoring sounds are always a sign that the air flow in the nose, throat and the pharynx region is compromised. The narrowing of the airways leads to air turbulence that produces loud noises by the vibrating of the soft tissues fabric - the weak musculature of soft palate and the uvula, sometimes even the tongue base and throat.
Snoring is a common phenomenon that affects one third to half of the population. The exact numbers are unknown.
As the body grows older, snoring increases. Snoring begins significantely earlier in men (starting at the age of 30) than in women. The female hormones protect the mucosal tissue from premature sagging. Therefore, they often have a snoring problem only after menopause.
Snoring can also be caused by anatomical peculiarities, therefore can occur in young, slim people too. About 8% children are affected.
Anatomical FActors:
Short distance of the tongue to the back wall of the wind-pipe
Large cervical suppository
Large tongue
Enlarged palatine tonsils
Enlarged pharyngeal tonsils
Shortened and recessed lower jaw
Overbite
Narrowing of the teeth
Constrictions in the nose
other factors:
Increasing age: when the body looses tone and firmness.
Large neck
Overweight: when excess fatty tissue in the neck narrows the throat.
INFLUENCIAL FaktorS:
Alcohol consumption: the consumption of alcohol, especially beer, can lead to snoring.
Physical Condition: well trained muscles support a healthy sleep, however, snoring may be increased directly after extensive workouts.
Heavy food: can lead to restless sleep and snoring.
Medication: Sleeping pills or psychotropic drugs can contribute to increased snoring.
Snoring is not a disease
Ordinary snoring (habitual Ronchopathy) is not a disease. It is the noise, reaching up to 100 decibels (similar to a truck on the highway) that is tiresome and annoying.
The constant vibration can cause minute injuries to the nerve structures of the soft palate. This results in weakening of the reflex arch, which is responsible for keeping the pharynx open.
Years of snoring can lead to Sleep Apnoea, which can develop into Sleep Apnoea Syndrome, which plays a contributing role to more serious diseases.