What is snoring?
Snoring, like all other sounds, is caused by vibrations that cause
particles in the air to form sound waves. For example, when we
speak, our vocal cords vibrate to form our voice. When our stomach
growls (borborygmus), our stomach and intestines vibrate as air
and food move through them.
While we are asleep, turbulent airflow can cause the tissues of
the nose and throat to vibrate and give rise to snoring.
Essentially, snoring is a sound resulting from turbulent airflow
that causes tissues to vibrate during sleep.
How common is snoring?
Any person can snore. Studies estimate that 45% of men and 30% of
women snore on a regular basis. Frequently, people who do not
regularly snore will report snoring after a viral illness, after
drinking alcohol, or when taking some medications.
People who snore can have any body type. We frequently think of a
large man with a thick neck as a snorer. However, a thin woman
with a small neck can snore just as loudly. In general, as people
get older and as they gain weight, snoring will worsen.
What causes snoring?
While we are breathing, air flows in and out in a steady stream
from our nose or mouth to our lungs. There are relatively few
sounds when we are sitting and breathing quietly. When we
exercise, the air moves more quickly and produces some sounds as
we breathe. This happens because air is moving in and out of the
nose and mouth more quickly and this results in more turbulence to
the airflow and some vibration of the tissues in the nose and
mouth.
When we are asleep, the area at the back of the throat sometimes
narrows. The same amount of air passing through this smaller
opening can cause the tissues surrounding the opening to vibrate,
which in turn can cause the sounds of snoring. Different people
who snore have different reasons for the narrowing. The narrowing
can be in the nose, mouth, or throat.
What are the treatments for snoring?
The goals for the treatment of surgery may be difficult to
determine. The problem of snoring usually is a problem for the bed
partner or roommate. Therefore, successful treatment should also
include the goal of achieving a successful night's sleep for the
bed partner or roommate. This makes treatment of snoring a
difficult challenge. For example, someone may have a successful
treatment if his or her snoring decreases from a jackhammer level
to that of a passing truck. If their bed partner is happy, then
the snoring problem is "cured." However, another person whose
snoring decreases from a mild sound to the level of heavy
breathing may still have an unhappy bed partner.
It is wise to look at the "success" reports for various treatments
with a critical eye. If the number of nights that a bed partner
has to leave the room decreases from seven nights per week to one
night per week, is that success? Some would say that it is.
However, the bed partner (or snorer) still has to leave the room
one night per week. It is important to know what the expectations
for a "cure" are before considering any treatments.
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