Is Snoring a Ticking Time Bomb?

By Arun Dhir
Posted May 27, 2021
man snoring partner upset with pillow over head

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!

man sleeping

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.

diagram of snoring

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

man sleeping snoring in bed
Severe sleep apnea carries a 40% increased risk for early death, but even mild to moderate sleep disorders can be related to heart disease, stroke, reduced sexual function, and other problems.

snore lab

SnoreLab is an app that records your snoring, giving you objective data to help find the solutions that work for you.

References:
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

If you would like to know more about how to objectively measure if you have Sleep Apnea you might want to have a look at my latest video.

 

If you're considering weight loss surgery, download this free 10 Point checklist.

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Helping You Discover, Empower & Prosper.

Dr Arun Dhir

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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

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