Snoring
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Snoring is the vibration of respiratory structures and the resulting
sound, due to obstructed air movement during breathing while sleeping.
In some cases the sound may be soft, but in other cases, it can be
rather loud and quite unpleasant.
Causes
Generally speaking, the structures involved are the uvula and soft palate.
The irregular airflow is caused by a passageway blockage and usually due to one of
the following:
§ Throat weakness, causing the throat to close during sleep
§ Mispositioned jaw, often caused by tension in the muscles
§ Fat gathering in and around the throat
§ Obstruction in the nasal passageway
§ The tissues at the top of airways touching each other causing vibrations
§ Relaxants such as alcohol or drugs relaxing throat muscles
§ Sleeping on one's back, which may result in the tongue dropping to the back of the
mouth.
Impact
Snoring is known to cause sleep deprivation to snorers and those around
them, as well as daytime drowsiness, irritability, lack of focus and decreased
libido.[1] It has also been suggested that it can cause significant psychological
and social damage to sufferers.[2] Multiple studies reveal a positive correlation
between loud snoring and risk of heart attack (about +34% chance) and stroke
(about +67% chance).[3]
Though snoring is often considered a minor affliction,
snorers can sometimes suffer severe impairment of lifestyle. The between-subjects
trial by Armstrong et al. discovered a statistically significant improvement in
marital relations after snoring was surgically corrected. This was confirmed by
evidence from Gall et al.,[4]Cartwright and Knight[5] and Fitzpatrick et al.[6]
New studies associate loud "snoring" with the development of carotid artery
atherosclerosis[7], the risk of brain damage[8] and of stroke. Researchers
hypothesize that loud snoring creates turbulence in carotid artery blood
flow closest to the airway. Generally speaking, increased turbulence irritates
blood cells and has previously been implicated as a cause of atherosclerosis.
Diagnosis
Usually, snoring is recognized by a friend or partner who observes the patient
sleeping. Besides the "noise" of snoring, more complex conditions such as
sleep apnea can be consistent with the symptom of snoring. A sleep study
can identify such issues. Patients can also assess their own condition to
determine the likelihood of such problems based on the severity of their sleeping
difficulties.
Coping as partner
Earplugs may facilitate good sleep for people sharing the same bedroom with
someone who snores. External earmuffs are not designed to sleep with.
Other alternatives include white noise generators.
My new roommate snores, and frankly,
I find it rather amusing.
Because we're all human,
and nobody's perfect.
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