Is Your Snoring Becoming A Problem That Needs To Be Checked?

Snoring is common. While more prevalent among men, the elderly and those who are overweight, snoring can occur in individuals even during childhood.

Snoring can occur as a result of several factors including nasal inflammation, improper sleeping position, deviated septum, narrow palate and excess weight. While snoring does not implicate a sleep disorder in and of itself, it can be a sign that there may be something impeding your capacity to breath during sleep. This can result in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).

Snoring is often indicative of dysfunctional breathing and apnoea events during sleep.

Some of the signs that you may be at an increased risk include: - Being Male - Being Overweight - Having chronic nasal congestion - Having a deviated septum - Drinking alcohol before bed

If these points reflect you, it is important to consult your doctor, who may consider you for a sleep study. A sleep study will be able to help your doctor determine the presence of a sleep disorder such as OSA. If OSA is present, your doctor will then be able to best advise on treatment options, such as CPAP treatment, mandibular advancement splints, surgery or sleep positional devices.

OSA is characterised by snoring, choking and excessive daytime sleepiness. If left untreated, OSA can increase one’s risk of other comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke.