Snoring is noisy breathing that occurs during sleep as a result of partial obstruction of the air ways. Breathing is typically slow and shallow reducing oxygen supply to the lungs.
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) occurs when the tongue and the walls of the throat relax and narrow whilst sleeping, completely obstructing the airway and leading to the temporary stoppage of breathing for 10 seconds or more. Typically you are woken gasping for air.
Long-term snoring and OSA can cause tiredness and irritability as well as circulatory problems such as high blood pressure, heart problems and strokes.
What are the causes of Snoring & OSA?
There are a number of lifestyle factors which can increase the likelihood of suffering with Snoring and OSA;
- Being overweight
- Being over 40 years of age
- Being male
- Sleeping on your back
- A large neck/collar size
- Taking sleeping tablets
- Drinking alcohol
- Smoking
- Nasal congestion
- The menopause
- Family history
- Large tonsils or adenoids
