Wondering if you snore when you sleep? Take a look at this helpful guide for how to tell if you snore and what you can do about it.
Think snoring is normal? It may be common — about 40% of men and 25% of women do it on the regular — but it isn’t normal. Snoring is actually a sign that something is amiss, so if you do it, you should take a closer look at your nighttime habits and your health.
Do you snore? Unless you have a spouse or roommate who’s complaining about your nocturnal noises, you might not be aware of whether you do or not.
No worries! Read on to find out how to tell if you snore, and how to stop it if the answer is yes.
Why People Snore
There are a number of reasons why people snore, of course. Let’s take a look at some of them.
- Congestion caused by allergies or a respiratory infection can lead to an obstruction of the nose or throat
- Congestion caused by swollen tonsils or adenoids
- Excess weight or a recent weight gain
- Age. As we get older, the muscles of the tongue and throat relax more during sleep than when we were younger. They vibrate when we breathe, leading to snoring
- You sleep on your back, in which case gravity makes your airway narrower
- Serious health issues, such as sleep apnea
If you don’t normally snore, but you start to when you’re ill with a cold or suffering from allergies, there’s probably no reason to worry.
A Warning About Sleep Apnea
If you snore, you may have obstructive sleep apnea. This is a condition in which your breathing stops and starts during sleep. It’s pretty scary stuff, so it’s important for you to get checked out by your doctor if you snore. This is especially true if you suffer from other symptoms of sleep apnea.
How To Tell If You Snore
If you live with someone, you already know if you snore! Live alone? Invite a friend or family member to spend the night with you and check to see what kind of nighttime noises you make.
You can also download an app that will help you determine your snoring situation. Or, record yourself during the night and listen to the recording the next day.
Some people start to suspect they are snorers if they habitually feel tired or lack energy even after getting a “good” night’s sleep; if they have headaches in the mornings; or if their mouth and throat feel dry and irritated upon waking.
How to Stop Snoring
If you’re reading this, you probably want to know either how to stop snoring — or how to make someone stop snoring! First and foremost, the snorer should see their doctor to rule out health issues such as obstructive sleep apnea.
Beyond that, there are lifestyle changes to make such as losing weight, sleeping on your side, cutting back on alcohol consumption, and upping your hydration levels. A humidifier might be a good idea too.
Get Your ZZZs Without Sawing Logs!
It is not always easy to know how to tell if you snore. However, it’s important to find out! Your health, in addition to the goodwill of your partner or roommate, might be at stake.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at our other recent posts for more great info!
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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