Millions of people snore when they sleep. Genetic factors could cause snoring, as well as oneβs sleeping position or underlying health condition. According to sleep medicine specialist Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., the sound is caused by a heavy flow of air that blocks the breathing pathways. This can cause vibration in areas such as the soft palate, uvula, tongue, and others. The space in the airways diminishes as muscles in the neck and throat relax along with the rest of the body.
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WhatcausespeopletoΒ snore?
Lisa M. Cannon M.D March 27, 2020 Uncategorized
health,Β sleep medicine,Β sleep problems,Β snoring
Millions of people snore when they sleep. Genetic factors could cause snoring, as well as oneβs
sleeping position or underlying health condition. According to sleep medicine specialist Lisa M.
Cannon, M.D., the sound is caused by a heavy flow of air that blocks the breathing pathways. This
can cause vibration in areas such as the soft palate, uvula, tongue, and others. The space in the
airways diminishes as muscles in the neck and throat relax along with the rest of the body.
Along with this explanation, there are
still many reasons why millions of
people snore. Here are some of them:
Genetic factors: Some people
genetically have more throat and nasal
tissues. Bodies with large adenoids, long
soft palate and uvula, and enlarged
tonsils obstruct a personβs breathing,
which results in the loud snoring. If this
is the case and the person still feels
rested even after waking up, then thereβs
nothing to worry about.
Allergies, nasal congestion, and
nasal deformities: People with a
stuffy nose and clogged sinuses can
snore loudly because they are unable to
breathe normally through their noses. Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., says that the same is true for cases
such as a deviated septum or those who sustained injuries to their noses. Allergic rhinitis, colds,
flu, and other allergic reactions can cause people to snore when they sleep.
Sleep apnea: Many people have
undiagnosed sleep apnea. It is a serious
sleep disorder that halts a personβs
breathing during sleep. This happens
when thereβs not much oxygen that
enters the lungs, also depriving the
brain and the body of oxygen. When
this happens, a personβs sleep can be
disrupted multiple times, preventing
quality rest. Instead of feeling refreshed
during the morning, sleep apnea can
cause fatigue even during the morning.
People who have undiagnosed sleep
apnea are also at risk of diabetes, heart
disease, and stroke.
2. Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., is a board-certified pulmonary disease and critical care physician
with a private practice in Bergen County, New Jersey. For more reads on health and medicine,
visit this page.