A Symptom of a More Serious Problem
We may tease Grandpa for snoring on the recliner while "watching" the game, but snoring is no joke. Snoring is sometimes a symptom of a more serious health problem like sleep apnea or carotid atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the main arteries of the neck), which could cause a stroke. Approximately 90 million Americans snore. This may disrupt their own and their bed partner's sleep, leaving them groggy and un-refreshed the next day. Men, women, and children may snore on occasion, but it's most common in men and individuals who are overweight.

What is snoring?
While you sleep, the muscles of your throat relax, your tongue falls backward, and your throat becomes narrow and floppy. As you breathe, the walls of the throat begin to vibrate —generally when you breathe in, but also, to a lesser extent, when you breathe out. These vibrations lead to the characteristic sound of snoring. The narrower your airway becomes, the greater the vibration and the louder you snore. Sometimes the walls of the throat collapse completely so that it is completely closed, creating a condition called apnea (stoping breathing). This is a serious condition which requires medical attention.

How can I stop snoring?
People who suffer mild or occasional snoring, but wake up feeling refreshed, and function well during the day may first try the following before consulting their doctor:

• Lose weight
• Avoid tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and antihistamines before bedtime
• Avoid alcohol for at least four hours and heavy meals or snacks for three hours before retiring
• Establish regular sleeping patterns
• Sleep on side rather than back

When should I talk to my doctor about snoring?
Consult your doctor if you snore and have any of the following symptoms or signs:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches
• Recent weight gain
• Awakening in the morning not feeling rested
• Awakening at night feeling confused
• Change in your level of attention, concentration, or memory
• Observed pauses in breathing during sleep

Is it normal for my child to snore?
Most children snore occasionally, particularly when they are in their deeper stages of sleep. However, extremely loud and regular snoring may be a sign of a cold, allergy, or in about one to three percent of children, it could be a symptom of sleep apnea. If your child's loud snoring is accompanied by gasps for breath, consult your pediatrician.

For more information on snoring, please visit our sister site, WeFixSnoring.com.

1. Sleep Matters, Fall 2008, Vol. 10, Issue 3, P.16