Why do some people snore? Is it a sign that something is wrong with ones health?

Answer 1

During sleep or sedation the soft tissues of the airway tend to collapse due to reduced muscle tone. This narrowing becomes even worse with the "negative" pressure in the airway caused by breathing in. Airway obstruction occurs. With partial obstruction, the typical snoring sound occurs. When the obstruction is complete, there is no sound or air movement, and this is refered to as apnea.

Apnea or airway obstruction during sleep is serious. It may be caused by obesity, but not always. It can cause chronic low oxygen levels in the blood, leading to right heart failure and other negative cardiovascular effects.

Almost anybody can snore, though, and in and of itself it is not necessarily a health problem.

Answer 2

If your snoring is really loud and disruptive, chances are good that you have a condition called sleep apnea, which MUST be taken seriously. Untreated sleep apnea not only stresses both the snorer and everyone else in the house who can't get a good night's sleep, it can also lead to heart malfunction and death!

Apnea is easily treated with the use of a night-breathing aid called a CPAP. You must see a sleep doctor before you can get one, as they have to be individually adjusted, but most insurance covers the cost. CPAP eliminates snoring 100% and keeps your heart from being damaged. Surgery is very rarely used to treat apnea, as the success rate is not that good. And people who are not overweight DO get this disease as well as those who are obese.

Please ask your doctor to refer you to a sleep doctor or sleep clinic ASAP. These facilities often have a long waiting list, and procrastinating can really damage your health. Do it today.

Answer 3

Some people snore cause they have sleep apnea, if it goes untreated it can lead to death! If people are telling you that you snore loudly and your breathing pauses while you sleep, you should be checked out to see if you have sleep apnea!