Why does snoring get worse

Many of these are muscle relaxers. For example, anti-anxiety medications like lorazepam and diazepam are known to lead to snoring in some people. These medications cause snoring in the same way alcohol does. They contract throat muscles, which compromises your airways. Luckily, quitting the medications causing your sudden snoring may improve your symptoms.

Of course, be sure to speak to your doctor before changing or stopping your prescription medications. Have you recently put on weight? Even the smallest weight gains can add up around the neck and throat. The good news is that losing weight is typically sufficient to reverse these effects and prevent you from snoring. Lack of exercise is another reason people start snoring suddenly. Similar to the effects of weight gain, lack of exercise can cause you to lose muscle in your neck and throat.

And like weight gain, this increases the risk of collapsed airways during sleep. For best results, you will need to see a dentist who specializes in these devices. Surgical procedures such as Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty UPPP , Thermal Ablation Palatoplasty TAP , tonsillectomy, and adenoidectomy, increase the size of your airway by surgically removing tissues or correcting abnormalities.

No matter how much you love each other, snoring can put a strain on your relationship. Sleeping in separate rooms. While this may be a solution for some couples, it can also take a toll on emotional and physical intimacy. Irritability due to sleep loss. Poor sleep takes a toll on mood, thinking skills, judgment, and your ability to manage stress and conflict. This can explain why communication often breaks down when you and your partner try talking about the problem.

Partner resentment. When a non-snorer feels they have done everything possible to sleep through the night ear plugs, sound machines, etc. If you value your relationship, make it your priority to find a snoring cure so you can both sleep soundly. Working together as a team to stop snoring can even be an opportunity to improve the quality of your bond and become more deeply connected.

So, you love everything about your partner, except their snoring. Even the most patient amongst us will draw the line at sleep deprivation. You want to attack the snoring problem—not your sleep partner.

Remember that your partner likely feels vulnerable, defensive, and even a little embarrassed about their snoring. Time your talk carefully. Avoid lashing out. Sure, sleep deprivation is aggravating and can be damaging to your health, but try your best to approach the problem in a non-confrontational way. Beware of bitterness. Laughing about it can ease tension.

Keep the following in mind as you and your partner work together to find a solution to your snoring:. Snoring is a physical issue. Like a pulled muscle or a common cold, improving the condition is in your hands.

Avoid taking it personally. Your partner loves you, just not the snoring. Take your partner seriously. Avoid minimizing complaints. Lack of sleep is a health hazard and can make your partner feel miserable all day. Make it clear that you prioritize the relationship. Address inappropriate behavior. Authors: Jeanne Segal, Ph. Snoring — Overview and Facts — Includes information on causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Snoring — Written for kids, an overview of snoring, typical causes, and treatments.

Surgery for Snoring — Types of surgery for snoring. Snoring Solutions — Simple changes to help you alleviate snoring. Harvard Health Publications. Treatment for hypothyroidism involves taking a medication that replaces the thyroid hormone deficiency. A potential health concern for someone who snores is that snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea. Snoring often goes unnoticed by the snorer; rather, a bed partner or housemate alerts the affected individual about their snoring and other nighttime OSA symptoms.

Alexa Fry is a science writer with experience working for the National Cancer Institute. She also holds a certificate in technical writing. Wright, M. She has a decade of experience in the study of disease. Learn why this may be better for….

Sleep apnea headaches are a type of morning headache common in people with obstructive sleep apnea. Learn more about what…. Are there potential benefits to mouth taping for sleep? Learn more about why some people tape their mouths before sleep,…. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

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Our editors and medical experts rigorously evaluate every article and guide to ensure the information is factual, up-to-date, and free of bias. Updated February 5, Written by Alexa Fry. Medically Reviewed by Heather Wright. What Are Common Causes of Snoring?

Alcohol and Sedative Medication Alcohol and other sedatives cause snoring by relaxing the muscles that support tissue around the airway. Smoking Cigarette smoking is another risk factor for snoring. Head and Neck Anatomy Related Reading. Sign up below for your free gift.

Your privacy is important to us. Was this article helpful? Yes No. Heather Wright Pathologist MD. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Darien, IL. Schwab, R. Merck Manual Professional Version: Snoring.

Medical Encyclopedia. Snoring and sleep apnea. Ferri FF. Sleep apnea. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Oral appliance therapy. American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Continuous positive airway pressure CPAP. How much sleep do I need? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Riggin EA. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 19, Olson EJ expert opinion.

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