Is there anything more difficult to fall asleep to than someone by you snoring loudly? Snoring is a common occurrence and it is estimated that more than one-third of adults snore at least a couple of nights during the week. Doctors have said that about 25 percent of adults are routine snorers and almost as many as 50 percent of adults snore occasionally. Snoring can be a major annoyance, but it can also possibly indicate some serious health conditions.

Snoring occurs when air vibrates the relaxed tissues in the throat as you breathe and thus producing hoarse harsh sounds. Some ways to help stop snoring are by losing weight, sleeping on your side, use nasal strips, or surgery. Surgery is not the answer for most snorers but it is an option to the most serious cases of snoring.

Snoring is also associated with a potentially serious sleep disorder called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is often linked to those that habitually snore. Sleep apnea occurs when breathing stops for short periods of time throughout the night. One of the best methods to treat sleep apnea is called CPAP (pronounced see-pap). CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. For more information on sleep apnea and CPAP go to Could I Have Sleep Apnea?

Light snoring can be a nuisance, but when snoring becomes loud and irritating it should be taken seriously. Seeking medical advice is the best step to evaluate whether your snoring can have serious consequences or not.

Labels: CPAP, sleep apnea