Is Snoring Harmless To Your Health?
Sure, snoring can seem harmless enough. Noisy sleep can even appear as a cute or funny quirk. Few people realize the harm snoring can cause to your loved ones and even to your health.
Because snoring is so common, most people disregard it as not dangerous. Millions of Americans of all ages and genders snore, so what’s the problem?
First off, the constant noise of snoring can damper your romantic life. Your snoring can keep your partner awake all night or disrupt their own sleep, resulting in exhaustion and moodiness. Some couples have had their relationships ruined by snoring and have to resort to sleeping in different bedrooms.
Snoring can be a symptom of deeper problems however. A common cause of snoring is sleep apnea, a disorder where the snorer literally stops breathing during the night due to throat muscles failing to keep airways open. This results in the typical choking sound snorers make as they gasp for air in their sleep and can cause low blood oxygen levels and increased risk for hypertension or heart disease. Sleep apnea can cause a snorer to wake up hundreds of times in a single night, disrupting the chance for restful sleep and causing fatigue and disorientation during the day.
The good news is that sleep apnea is treatable. There are a variety of solutions, from simple over the counter remedies like nasal strips to more complex treatments such as nasal masks recommended by a doctor. The symptoms of sleep apnea can be lessened somewhat with diet and exercise, as it is most common in people who are overweight.
While snoring can seem like a harmless trait, it can be the symptom of a much more serious problem. With some effort and treatment, it can be treated to benefit you and your partner.