© Temistocle Lucarelli
Like solving any scientific problem, find what causes you to snore at night, fix it, and solve your night time issues. However, it might take a little investigation to uncover the reasons that are unique to your situation and some trial and error to fix the problem.
I know what it’s like to have a snorer in the house. If you are the snorer, you feel tired and drained when you wake up – as if you haven’t slept at all. If you are the…snoree…the snore-listener…the person on the other end of the snorer, then you struggle at night, too, to get a good night’s sleep.
No one is happy – or healthy – in such a situation. On top of that, it’s downright embarrassing. Even though it’s not your fault, even though you don’t know you’re doing it, you can feel incredibly guilty and humiliated that you are causing yourself and your sleeping partner any discomfort.
You know what’s worse? You don’t just snore at home. Ever get on an airplane for a trip, fall asleep midway through the flight, and wake yourself up with a good snore? Now, not only your spouse is in on your little secret, several rows of strangers in front and behind you know, too.
What causes you to snore at night?
- Eating foods that cause your airway to become restricted or swollen
- Sleeping positions
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Sleep Apnea
- Swollen nasal passages
- Colds, flu, or other upper respiratory congestion
- Weakened muscles in and around your airway passages (neck, throat)
No one can tell you better than your doctor – through the use of a sleep study – why you happen to be snoring. The causes are numerous, can be compound one another, and can have developed quickly through changes in your lifestyle and eating habits.
Not willing to go to the doctor? You can try some things on your own to see if the problem goes away:
- Set up a movie camera in your bedroom one night (I know – this is a family friendly website!!) and try to catch yourself snoring on camera.
- What sleeping position were you in right before you were snoring? While you were snoring? When you stopped snoring again?
- Make a note of the foods you ate before you went to bed.
- Lay on your back in your bed on your normal pillow. Do you feel any pressure around your throat? Does it feel different from when you are standing up?
Through trial and error try to find the potential reasons you are snoring, change the habit or condition, and make notes about what works and doesn’t work for you. If you think your sleeping position is causing you problems, use a different type of pillow to adjust your position. If you think your diet is an issue, weed out the foods you eat and the liquids you drink before bed to see if you notice any positive trends.
Most snoring problems can be resolved with the right approach. Find out what causes you to snore at night and don’t give up until you determine the best, permanent solution for you.
