Is snoring bad for your health?
Snoring is a common problem people don’t like admitting they have. Although it may seem harmless, annoying, or even cute at times, snoring can actually have serious implications on your health.
So how does snoring occur? When breathing is partially obstructed during sleep.
Here's how snoring can impact your health
Cardiovascular health | Snoring prevents the body from getting enough oxygen which can cause strain on your heart. Overtime, this may lead to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown those who snore regularly have a higher risk of developing conditions related to cardiovascular disease such as heart attack, stroke and heart disease.
Sleep apnea | This can be a serious consequence of heavy snoring. When someone suffers from sleep apnea their airways become temporarily blocked during sleep, causing the person to stop breathing for a short period of time. Not only is this dangerous, but it can result in an additional range of health problems and lead to fatigue, poor concentration and even weakened immune system.
Weight gain | As crazy as this sounds, snoring can also contribute to weight gain. When you snore, your body is not getting enough restful sleep, which throws your hunger hormones off balance by increasing your appetite and causing you to crave more unhealthy foods. This can be a vicious cycle that leads to overeating and therefore, weight gain, which can in turn worsen your snoring.
Mental health | Being someone who regularly snores can lead to irritability, mood swings and poor mood due to unrestful sleep. It may also contribute to problems in relationships due to disrupting your partner's sleep, taking a toll on both you and your partner's mental health and wellbeing.
How to combat snoring
Fortunately, there are ways to overcome snoring by following these tips
- Live a healthy lifestyle by exercising, eating the right foods, and maintaining a healthy weight
- Sleep on your side instead of your back to keep your airway open at night
- Practice these mouth exercises
- Try mouth tape to prevent snoring and allow your body to breathe naturally out of your nose
- Quit or reduce smoking
- Avoid drinking alcohol before bed