“Do you Snore?” “No, certainly not!!”
A very common question and an even more typical answer to it! We all, somewhere in our lives have faced this question. The reality is, however, that Almost everyone snores. But the regularity of it may vary. Some people snore occasionally, while some do it regularly.
If you ever happen to notice, You will find out that elders snore more often than youngsters. Research’ have found out, that as one grows, the issue of snoring worsens! But why does this happen? Well, don’t worry. I am here for your rescue.
In this article I will present to you certain reasons why snoring increases with age and how can one deal with it!
Table of Contents
Why Does Snoring Worsen With Age?
The reasons for the same are plenty. Including-
1. Change In Muscle Tone
As you grow older, you may suffer muscle flaccidity. It basically includes weakening of the muscle tone. Snoring occurs when the uvula and palate (Located along the airway) vibrate. As the muscle tone decreases, they get relaxed. Due to this, they become more susceptible to vibration, leading to louder and frequent snore.
2. Increase In Bodyweight
Aging accompanies a sedentary lifestyle. The regular workout routine becomes occasional and slowly it completely dies. It is common and something not to blame. But this in-activeness leads to weight gain, which is another reason for worsened snore. But how?
The major cause of snoring is narrowing of the throat. The air is forced to pass through a narrower airway than normal and thus snore is produced. As one gains weight, fat is deposited in the neck area as well. This leads to a narrower throat and increased snore.
3. Medications
People indulge in a number of medications as they age. Many people may suffer insomnia because of which they often pop sleeping aids. This can also increase the propensity of snoring. This is because medicines that are used to get rid of insomnia, help the muscles relax. This in turn, depresses the respiratory drive.
4. Hormonal Changes In Women
Did you have any clue that menopause brings snoring along with it? This is basically because of the decrease in estrogen levels in the body. This decrease in estrogen leads to relaxed neck muscles.
This relaxation leads to narrower airways giving birth to the unavoidable snores. So, next time if you hear your mom snoring, Don’t complain. She is not to be blamed, It’s an age factor.
5. Nasal/Sinus Issues
Apart from air, your nose is exposed to a number of allergens and infections. These allergens may lead to swelling or congestion of the nasal cavity. The congestion or blockage of airways may hinder the process of inhaling. This creates a vacuum in the throat, leading to snoring.
6. Drugs/Alcohol
Many people tend to get more involved in drugs as they age. This over-consumption may be a way to avoid the consequences that old-age brings along. However, this consumption breed snoring as well.
When you use these drugs, your muscles tend to relax. So as I mentioned above, when the throat muscles relax, the airways become narrower. This causes hindrance in breathing, leading to worsened snore.
How To Deal With Old Age Snoring It?
A lot of people live with this misconception that snoring is just a habit and pay no heed to it. Very few realize that snoring is more than just an irritating habit. Snoring can lead to certain heart problems, which may aggravate with time.
Health issues like- Cardiac attacks, hypertension, lack of oxygen supply, strokes and more may rise. Thus, You really need to do something about it if it keeps hiking up with time.
So here are a few ways in which you can deal with snoring-
1. Drop Those Pounds
If you are on the heavier side, you definitely need to shed that excess weight. As the fatty tissues lessen from the throat, you will notice a visible change in your snoring habit.
2. Work Out
Exercising will help you tone the muscles in your throats which in turn lead to decreased snoring. You can adopt certain exercises to strengthen and tone your neck muscles.
3. Avoid Drugs
Avoid cigarettes, alcohol, sleeping pills etc. These pills, as I mentioned above, lead to relaxed muscles, hindering the breathing process.
4. Sleep On Your Side Instead Of Back
Make this a habit. this will definitely help you control those irritating snores.
5. Clear Nasal Passage
Keep your nasal passage squeaky clean. If you see you have a blocked nose, wash away the sinuses before dozing off. If you have some sort of allergy, make use of an allergy medication.
6. Mouth Guards/ Anti Snoring Pillows
Apart from the home remedies (given above) you can resort to these methods too. Mouth guards are devices that keep your tongue or jaw in place, stopping your snoring. Also, you can go for anti-snoring pillows that stop your snoring by adjusting your sleeping position.
There are some remedies that will help you to reduce snoring naturally.
So, now you must be very clear about the fact that age does contribute to snoring. However, if you deal with it at the right time, it can prevent you from a multitude of problems.
