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Snoring
This can be
described as heavy breathing which sounds like snorting when asleep.
What to look for
Snoring is usually harmless
although very annoying for the person who has to hear it. It can be loud and continuous
throughout the whole time a person is asleep. Or it can occur only in certain positions.
It can vary in pitch and intensity or be the same every night. Each case is individual.
However, sometimes snoring can be a dangerous medical condition called obstructive sleep
apnoea.
If you have this condition,
you stop breathing during the time you are asleep. There is not enough oxygen getting in
the blood this can cause tiredness or if prolonged can cause death. Go to your doctor if
you think you have this problem.
Causes
Snoring is involuntary. It
happens when the snorer breathes through their mouth and the muscles of the soft palate
relax. The passages are narrowed and as the air is drawn into the lungs, the soft palate
vibrates.
Usually this happens when
the muscles that allow breathing become too relaxed. This can be due to too much alcohol,
medications, an overly soft or large pillow; sleeping on your back, poor muscle tone or obesity.
It can also be a physical
problem you may have been born with.
Asthma
and smoking can also lead to obstruction and snoring.
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