Is Snoring a Ticking Time Bomb?

Come to think of it, we spend nearly one-third of our lives asleep!
Without sleep, we wouldn’t be able to function properly. However, several things can negatively impact our sleep. Take snoring, for instance—it can disrupt your sleep and your partner’s sleep.
You might have heard this before but sleep deprivation and restless sleep as happens with heavy snorers can negatively affect our health—to the point where it can increase our risk of certain diseases!

Complications of Snoring
Even occasional snoring can put you at risk for a number of complications because snoring could signify an underlying undiagnosed sleep apnea.
Obstructive Sleep Aponea
Many men who suffer from obesity also have a low, thick soft palate that can narrow your airway. People who are overweight also have extra tissues in the back of their throats that further narrows their airways. This creates a reduced air flow can be obstructed when in deep sleep and vibration increased.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
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
- Chest pain at night

Interactions Between Obesity and Obstructive Sleep Apnea https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3021364/
How weight affects Sleep Apnea https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-apnea/weight-loss-and-sleep-apnea
Abdominal Fat and Sleep Apnea. The chicken or the egg? https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/31/Supplement_2/S303



Dr Arun Dhir
Surgeon, Health & Wellness Advocate.
Author of “Happy Gut, Healthy Weight” and “Create a New You Health Journal“
Founder of Radical Wellness Programme