Snoring while sleeping might be embarrassing, but it might help to know how common it is. In fact, 45 percent of adults tend to snore from time to time. Roughly a quarter of adults snore on a regular basis. Snoring once in a while might not be a problem, but your sleep quality could be suffering if you snore regularly. Keep the following in mind to help you understand snoring better and learn how to manage it on an Orange County mattress.
Why Snoring Occurs
Snoring happens when the tissues at the back of your throat vibrate while you’re asleep. These tissues become more relaxed during sleep, which can cause them to block your airway. You might snore if you have a more narrow airway or if you have nasal congestion or other nasal problems. The way you sleep might also be causing you to snore, such as sleeping on your back.
Who Snores?
Anyone can snore, but certain risk factors can make you more likely to do so. Risk factors for snoring include having large adenoids or other problems that make your airway narrower. You might also have a higher risk of snoring if you have a deviated septum or other nasal problems or if snoring runs in your family. Being overweight can also increase your risk of snoring. Keep in mind that snoring typically occurs more often in men than in women as well.
Problems with Snoring
Snoring might not seem like a big deal overall, but it could lead to poor sleep quality. When you don’t get enough sleep, you can end up with a wide range of health problems. Poor sleep quality or a lack of sleep can weaken your immune system and make it difficult for you to concentrate. You might also have an increased risk of developing serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. Snoring can also have a negative impact on others, such as making it harder for family members who live with you to sleep.
If you snore regularly, you might also have a condition called sleep apnea. Without treatment, sleep apnea can raise your risk of complications, such as high blood pressure and heart problems. Your doctor can help you get a diagnosis and treatment for this condition.
What to Do About Snoring
If you snore, there are certain changes you can make to your lifestyle to reduce it. Losing weight is one of the most effective ways to stop snoring. When you’re overweight, you might have more tissue in your throat, making snoring more likely. Losing weight can help you get rid of this extra tissue and reduce snoring.
The way you sleep can also affect whether or not you snore. To reduce snoring, sleep on your side instead of on your back. This helps prevent your tongue from falling back into your throat and blocking your airway. Raising the top part of your bed by a few inches might also help prevent snoring. Making your bed more comfortable with a new mattress can help improve your sleep quality and might help you snore less. Consider visiting Orange County mattress stores like Mattress Sale Liquidators for a new mattress.
Treating or managing certain underlying conditions might help you stop snoring as well. If you have nasal congestion, your doctor can provide you with treatment recommendations for relief. If you have sleep apnea, you can discuss treatment options with your doctor to manage this condition.
If you smoke or drink, keep in mind that alcohol and smoking can contribute to snoring. Quitting smoking and avoiding or limiting alcohol, especially before bed, might help prevent you from snoring.
Benefits of Managing Snoring
When you take steps to manage or reduce snoring, you can expect to enjoy better sleep quality. Getting enough sleep, especially night after night, can help you feel healthier and happier overall. Whether your first step is losing weight or getting a new Orange County mattress for better sleep, make reducing snoring a priority.
If you need a new mattress to improve your sleep quality and reduce snoring, our mattress stores in Orange County can help. Visit one of our locations to find the best new mattress for your home.