At Southern ENT Associates, we’ve seen firsthand how snoring can start off as a minor inconvenience but often grows into a major disruption, affecting not only your own sleep but also that of those around you. Many people are surprised to find their snoring gets worse over time, but understanding why this happens is the first step to finding real relief. Here, we’ll dive into the key reasons snoring often intensifies as we age and share insights into how we can help you reclaim restful, uninterrupted sleep with effective treatment options.
Why Does Snoring Worsen Over Time?
Snoring occurs when airflow through the nose and throat is partially obstructed during sleep, causing vibrations in the throat tissues. This blockage can stem from several different factors, many of which tend to intensify over time.
Factors That Cause Snoring to Worsen
Aging
- As we age, the muscles in the throat naturally lose tone
- This loss of muscle strength can make it harder for the airway to stay open during sleep, causing vibrations and making snoring more likely
- Older adults often experience this increased risk, and it’s a primary reason why snoring can worsen with age
Weight Gain
- Weight gain, especially around the neck and upper body, can place additional pressure on the airway, making it more difficult for air to flow freely
- This can lead to snoring or intensify existing snoring
- Even small changes in weight can make a difference, so maintaining a healthy weight is essential for those looking to reduce snoring
Sleep Position
- Your sleep position can also contribute to worsening snoring
- People who sleep on their backs are more likely to snore, as this position causes the tongue and soft palate to fall back into the throat, narrowing the airway
- For those already struggling with snoring, simply adjusting to sleeping on your side can sometimes make a big difference
Alcohol and Medication Use
- Certain lifestyle choices, like drinking alcohol or taking sedative medications before bed, can cause the throat muscles to relax excessively during sleep
- This muscle relaxation leads to a narrower airway, which can worsen snoring and even cause pauses in breathing, known as sleep apnea
Allergies and Nasal Congestion
- When you’re dealing with nasal congestion due to allergies, colds, or chronic sinus conditions, airflow through the nasal passages can be obstructed
- This congestion forces you to breathe through your mouth, which can exacerbate snoring
- For many, this is a seasonal issue, but for others, chronic congestion can be a persistent cause of snoring
Preventing and Treating Worsening Snoring
If your snoring is getting worse, don’t panic! Here’s what you need to know:
- For many, small changes can make a noticeable difference. Weight loss, sleeping on your side, and avoiding alcohol before bed can help reduce snoring. Additionally, treating underlying nasal congestion can open up the airways and lessen snoring frequency.
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is highly effective for individuals whose snoring is related to sleep apnea. CPAP keeps the airway open with a steady flow of air, helping to ensure uninterrupted breathing and a restful night’s sleep.
- Custom-fitted oral appliances, designed to reposition the jaw and tongue, can reduce snoring caused by airway obstruction. These devices are comfortable and often provide significant relief for patients.
- In cases where other treatments are ineffective, surgical procedures may be recommended to correct structural issues contributing to snoring. Options such as septoplasty, turbinate reduction, and palate surgery can address anatomical concerns, improving airflow and reducing snoring.
How Southern ENT Associates Can Help Worsening Snoring
If snoring is becoming a constant struggle, know that you don’t have to deal with it alone. At Southern ENT Associates, our dedicated team of ENT doctors is here to help you find effective solutions tailored to your unique needs. Whether through lifestyle guidance, advanced therapies, or surgical options, we’re committed to helping you achieve better sleep and improved health.
Ready to wake up feeling refreshed? Contact Southern ENT Associates today and take the first step toward snoring relief and better sleep!