What is Snoring: Its Causes and Symptoms

Snoring Problem

Snoring, at any age, is not normal and reduces sleep quality, which affects overall health. Spousal interference of sleep from snoring is a serious thing.

There are two surprising facts many people are not aware of with regards to snoring. One, almost anyone can have a snoring problem regardless of age, gender or other characteristics Two, there are potentially serious health risks commonly associated with snoring. While almost anyone can have a snoring problem, the majority of people who snore are between the ages of 40 and 60. About 60% of people who snore are male. Neither adults nor children should snore. The health problems associated with snoring can be different for adults and children.

Children with Snoring, Sleep or Breathing Issues and Symptoms

Children should not snore. If a child does snore, according to the American Pediatric Society, parents should have their child assessed. Dr. Goodfellow believes this warrants a full investigation into whether there is a sleeping issue or a breathing issue with the child before any treatments are considered.

If children don’t sleep well, then one of the consequences is they don’t grow well. In addition, children who don’t sleep well may not pay proper attention in school. Getting poor sleep may also cause all sorts of attention problems with children and potentially ADHD. Bed wetting is a common issue potentially connected to a sleeping disorder. Headaches and pain may also be linked to the poor sleep children experience. People in pain don’t sleep well. People who don’t sleep well feel more pain. This goes around and around with pain and sleep deprivation

Adults who snore, have a sleep disorder, sleep deprivation, or obstructive sleep apnea

When adults snore, either the person who snores or their sleeping partner may have difficulty sleeping. When an adult does not get enough quality sleep time, they do not get the proper hormones they need. The sound that is made when someone snores is due to the vibration of the soft palate (soft tissues) in the mouth and the walls of the throat.

Snoring alone can be very hazardous to your health. If you snore and have the breathing disorder of sleep apnea, that can be even more hazardous to your health. Heart disease and strokes have been linked to this condition. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where a person stops breathing for a short period of time, many times, while sleeping. Whether the person realizes it or not, they are likely not getting a good night of sleep due to this difficulty breathing. One of the very common results from having sleep apnea is that people feel very tired and fatigued during the day. This can have serious metabolic consequences. It can increase the risk of injury. Some of the more serious potential health risks related to sleep apnea include cancer, cardiovascular disease and an increased risk of mortality.