Snoring is a common occurrence. It is estimated that close to half the population of adults sometimes snores and a quarter are chronic snorers. Snoring becomes more frequent with age. More men than women snore. And being overweight contributes to snoring. Snoring is like bruxing (the chronic habit of grinding and clenching your teeth). You have no idea you are doing it because you are asleep. Do you know why we snore? Take the true or false quiz below to see how much you know.
True or False?
- True or False: Snoring is caused by a stuffy nose.
- True or False: Snoring is harmless.
- True or False: Drinking alcohol before bed can contribute to snoring.
- True or False: Snoring can only be treated if it is associated with sleep apnea. Otherwise, you simply have to deal with it.
Answers:
- True: Although a stuffy nose can contribute to snoring, the main reason people snore is due to the thick fleshy area in the back of your throat (soft palate). While you are asleep and your body is relaxed these muscles relax too and can partially block your airway. The air that passes between your soft palate and tongue/throat causes these muscles to vibrate producing the snoring sound.
- True and False: Most snoring is harmless but loud excessive snoring marked by fits, starts, and gasps, can be the sign of sleep apnea, a serious health condition.
- True: Alcohol and some medications can relax the muscles of your soft palate even more increasing the likelihood of snoring.
- False: Snoring can be treated whether or not it is associated with sleep apnea. Snoring not associated with sleep apnea can often be treated with an oral appliance. Snoring associated with sleep apnea is usually treated with a machine that provides continuous positive airway pressure, also called a CPAP machine.
