The ins and outs of snoring

Family Physician Danielle Manis
Family Physician Dr. Danielle Manis

Many of us have been kept awake at night by the annoying sound of someone snoring. Perhaps you are a snorer keeping others up! 

“Snoring is usually caused by the relaxation of the tissues in the back of the nose and mouth during sleep; the tissues then vibrate with the movement of air causing the snoring sound,” says Dr. Danielle Manis, a Physician in the Family and Community Medicine Department at North York General Hospital (NYGH) and Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto. “It can also be caused by a narrowed upper airway, which can be due to obesity, nasal congestion (from allergies, a cold, or a sinus infection) or anatomical differences, such as a deviated septum.”
Dr. Danielle Manis, Family Physician, North York General Hospital
Family Physician Dr. Danielle Manis
 
Dr. Manis says that although everyone may at one point snore, habitual snoring is more common in men than women. Men tend to have a larger airway which allows for greater vibration of tissues during sleep. Certain risk factors which can lead to snoring, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, are slightly more prevalent in men than women.

That doesn't mean, however, that women are safe from snoring. “,” says Dr. Manis. “Weight gain with age can also play a factor. Older people tend to be on more medications, and some of these can increase snoring by decreasing airway muscle tone.”

Tips to reduce snoring

For people who occasionally snore, Dr. Manis has a few tips to help them reduce their snoring:

  • Lifestyle changes
    Losing weight, quitting or reducing smoking and alcohol consumption can all help in reducing snoring.
  • Prescription medication/over-the-counter products
    Your doctor may prescribe nasal cortisone sprays to treat allergies or sinusitis.
    Over-the-counter decongestants may be used for a few days to treat a common cold, which can in turn reduce snoring. Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure these are safe for you to take. Adhesive nose strips (i.e. Breathe Right) can also help open up the airways slightly and reduce snoring.
  • Dental checkup
    Oral appliances made by a dentist with expertise in snoring can also help open the airway for a quieter sleep.
  • Positioning 
    How you sleep can also affect if you sore. Try sleeping on your side or front rather than on your back

 

woman awake with snoring husband at her husband
Although everyone may at one point snore, habitual snoring is more common in men than women.

Indications you should consult with your family physician

Feeling excessive fatigue or sleepiness during the day

  • Waking up feeling unrefreshed
  • Your partner notices pauses in your breathing during sleep
  • You are gasping for air or feel short of breath in your sleep
  • You frequently wake in the morning with dry mouth or a headache

Obstructive sleep apnea

Dr. Manis says a more serious cause of snoring is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where the upper airway collapses and prevents proper airflow during sleep. This leads to pauses in breathing, which in turn lower oxygen delivery to the brain and prevent people from getting deep restorative sleep.

People with OSA are at increased risk of health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. The excessive daytime sleepiness can also affect mood and concentration and puts people at higher risk of car accidents.

“Your doctor may order a sleep study to attempt to diagnose OSA and other sleep disorders,” says Dr. Manis. “OSA is most commonly treated with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine that maintains proper air flow during sleep to avoid disruptions in breathing. It is less common to treat OSA with dental appliances and, very rarely, with surgery.”

This article first appeared in the June 2018 issue of The Pulse. 

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