Have you ever gotten tired from a long day of the normal humdrum routine of work? Later on, after clocking out, you can’t wait to head home and have a mildly hot shower to relax your muscles, with your favourite African cuisine set on the table by your adored partner- warm and tender ugali, a perfectly marinated and wet-fried tilapia, and a side dish of kienyeji– waiting for you.
Long story short, it’s bedtime! The night is alive, with a symphony of sounds- the gentle hum of crickets, the distant hoots of the night owl, and the unmistakable rumbling of snores from your partner across the bed. Yes, snoring, that nocturnal nuisance that plagues millions of sleepers worldwide, has a fascinating story waiting to be told.
Why do some of us transform into veritable orchestras as soon as our heads hit the pillow? Is it merely an annoyance, or could there be deeper, more complex reasons behind this auditory phenomenon? So join me fellows as we delve into the mysteries of snoring, uncovering the science, the causes, and the potential remedies that could restore peace and silence to bedrooms everywhere. From the raucous rattles of the deep-chested snorer to the gentle whistles of the light sleeper, this journey promises to be eye-opening (or should we say, ear-opening?) for anyone who has ever been lulled – or jolted – awake by the sounds of slumber. So put on your earplugs, get comfortable, and let’s unravel the secrets of the Nocturnal Chorus.
Snoring is the hoarse or harsh sound that occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in your throat, causing the tissues to vibrate as you breathe. Nearly everyone snores now and then, but for some people, it can be a chronic problem. Sometimes it may also indicate a serious health condition. In addition, snoring can be a nuisance to your partner. Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol close to bedtime or sleeping on your side, can help stop snoring. Furthermore, there are medical devices and surgical options that may alleviate disruptive snoring. Nevertheless, these are not appropriate or required for all individuals who snore.
Snoring is often associated with a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Not all snorers have OSA, but if snoring is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, it may be an indication to see a doctor for further evaluation for OSA:
- Witnessed breathing pauses during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Morning headaches
- Sore throat upon awakening
- Restless sleep
- Gasping or choking at night
- High blood pressure
- Chest pain at night
- Your snoring is so loud it’s disrupting your partner’s sleep
- In children, poor attention span, behavioral issues or poor performance in school
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is frequently marked by loud snoring followed by intervals of silence when breathing ceases or nearly ceases. Ultimately, this decrease or cessation of breathing may prompt you to awaken, and you may do so with a loud snort or gasping sound. You may experience light sleep due to disrupted rest. This pattern of breathing interruptions may occur numerous times throughout the night. Individuals with obstructive sleep apnea typically undergo episodes where breathing slows or halts at least five times during each hour of sleep.
To treat your snoring, your doctor likely will first recommend lifestyle changes, such as:
- Losing weight
- Avoiding alcohol close to bedtime
- Treating nasal congestion
- Avoiding sleep deprivation
- Avoiding sleeping on your back
For snoring with OSA, doctors may recommend oral appliances, which are custom dental devices that keep airways open. Regular dental visits are needed to ensure proper fit and monitor oral health. Side effects can include dry mouth and jaw pain. Another option is CPAP, a mask that delivers pressurized air to prevent snoring, though some find it uncomfortable. Surgical options like uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) and maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) aim to open the airway, while hypoglossal nerve stimulation helps prevent tongue blockage. Surgery effectiveness varies and can be unpredictable.
So there you have it my fellow scribes. I encourage you to approach the topic of snoring with the same sense of curiosity and open-mindedness that has guided us on this journey. For while the raucous rattles and gentle whistles of slumber may sometimes disrupt our rest, they also serve as a reminder of the incredible complexity of the human experience – one that is ripe with opportunities for exploration, understanding, and, perhaps, a good night’s sleep.
Until we meet again. Goodnight!
