If you think snoring is relatively harmless, and that it’s just a result of exhaustion, then this story will make you rethink everything you ever knew about the condition; as it turns out, it’s not as innocuous as most make it out to be.
“Snoring occurs when the lungs have a hard time inhaling oxygen when the airway path is blocked,” says WebMD. “The tissues of the soft palate—the soft spot on the mouth’s roof—tend to vibrate when this happens, which then produces that rattling, gurgling sound.”
READ: Open letter to moms who just want to take a break and sleep
New studies reveal that sleep apnea—the temporary cessation of breathing during sleep—is associated with an increased risk of cancer mortality.
Cancer deaths incidence in patients with severe sleep disordered breathing (SBD) compared to those without the disorder was nearly five times higher, according to lead author F. Javier Nieto, MD, PhD, MPH.
A report by the Daily Times said, “it is perceived that sleep apnea hinders the vital lungs from receiving oxygen, thus causing the body [to] release a signal protein to form more blood vessels.”
READ: Snoring dad makes baby cry
Using mice with kidney tumors, the study also found that cancer could be caused by hypoxia, which happens when an organ or tissue lacks oxygen supply.
“If you usually snore and feel sleepy during the day, have your health check with your doctor,” a report said. “Also, this is very helpful to people who carries an extra pounds because they increase sleep apnea risk.”
Snoring
Common causes of snoring include: being overweight, old age, nasal and sinus problems, alcohol, smoking, certain medications, and posture.
If either you or your partner snore, there are ways that may help improve the condition by tweaking certain aspects of your lifestyle:
- Lose weight. If you’re overweight, dropping even a few pounds can reduce fatty tissue in the back of the throat and decrease or even stop snoring.
- Exercise can also help to stop snoring. As well aiding weight loss, exercising your arms, legs, and abs, for example, also leads to toning the muscles in your throat, which in turn can lead to less snoring.
- Quit smoking. Quitting is easier said than done, but smoking irritates the membranes in the nose and throat which can block the airways and cause snoring.
- Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, and sedatives because they relax the muscles in the throat and interfere with breathing.
- Establish regular sleep patterns. Hitting the sack in a routine way together can help you sleep better and often minimize snoring.
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