What causes snoring in males ? The Science Behind It

Snoring is a common problem among both males and females, although it is more common in males. It is estimated that 45% of adult males snore regularly, while only 30% of adult females snore regularly. Snoring can be caused by a variety of factors, including lifestyle choices, physical characteristics, and sleep apnea. While snoring is not necessarily a cause for alarm, it can be a sign of a more serious underlying health issue and should be discussed with a doctor if it becomes a frequent issue. Let us explore what causes snoring in males and the science behind It!

Main Causes of Snoring

A variety of factors, such as blocked nasal passages, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, sleeping position, and age cause snoring. These factors can lead to the vibration of the soft tissues in the throat and cause snoring. The most common causes of snoring are –

1. Sleep Position: Sleeping on your back can cause the base of your tongue to relax and collapse against the back wall of your throat, leading to a narrowing of the airways. This blockage can cause snoring.
2. Nasal Congestion: Congestion caused by allergies, a deviated septum, or a cold can cause snoring due to the blockage of the airways in the nose.
3. Weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the chances of snoring due to the extra fatty tissue in the throat that narrows the airways.
4. Alcohol: Alcohol can relax the throat muscles, leading to snoring.
5. Smoking: Smoking can irritate and inflame the airways, causing snoring.
6. Age: As we age, the throat muscles can become weaker and the throat can become narrower, leading to snoring.
7. Medications: Certain medications and medications that contain sedatives can relax the throat muscles and lead to snoring.
8. Structural Issues: An enlarged uvula or tonsils, a cleft palate, or a deviated septum can cause snoring.

Are there any specific causes of snoring in men?

Yes, there are certain causes of snoring in men that are different from women. These causes include being overweight, having enlarged tonsils, drinking alcohol, smoking, and having a deviated septum. Men also have narrower air passages than women, which can lead to snoring. Certain medications can also cause snoring in men. Nasal allergies and sinus issues can also cause men to snore. If a man has a large neck, that can also contribute to snoring as the extra flesh around the neck can narrow the airway, leading to snoring. Lastly, age can also be a factor, as snoring becomes more common in men as they get older.

The Science behind snoring sound

The muscles in the back of the throat relax and partially block the airway, causing snoring. This results the airway to vibrate as air moves through it, resulting in the sound of snoring. The nasal cavity is the area between the nostrils and the back of the throat. The air passing through the nasal cavity gets restricted when snoring, thereby causing vibrations of the soft palate, uvula, and other tissues. This creates the sound of snoring.

How to stop snoring naturally

Remember not to take any anti snoring medications without consulting your doctor as it may prove to be hazardous for your baby. Do not ignore the problem of snoring during pregnancy as it may indicate that your baby is not receiving proper oxygen supply.

• Shed your weight : One common ways to cure snores is weight reduction. You must keep your weight in check and avoid becoming overweight. A healthy exercise regime and diet can help you get rid of the excessive fat and eventually ward off the problem of snoring.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking and consumption of alcohol must be stopped if you are addicted to it and snore the night away. Liquor consumption relaxes the muscles far too much triggering snores.
• Clean nasal cavity: To prevent snoring, it is important to keep your nasal passage clear by cleaning it regularly, especially before bed. If you have a sinus problem, consult a doctor for medication. If you have a general problem with a clogged nasal passage, consult a physician and consider taking a decongestant medicine.
• User Snoring aids: You can purchase a variety of anti-snoring products and medications to address this concern. One such product is a mouth guard, which helps keep the lower jaw from becoming lax and, in turn, helps to reduce snoring.
• Sleep correctly :The problem of snoring might also be related to the posture in which you sleep. By sleeping on your sides you can prevent snores. Sleeping with your head elevated too can stop snores.
• Prevent fatigue: Try not to over exert yourself so that you don’t snore all night, as excessive exertion is a common cause of snoring. It’s essential for the body to get proper sleep and rest, so make sure you’re not depriving yourself of it.

Adopt these simple measures to ditch snores and sleep at night peacefully.