Sleep is one of the most important parts of one’s overall health, both mental and physical. Getting enough sleep is just as important as the quality of sleep. Adults should get at least seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. When you get restful sleep, your body can heal, and your brain can effectively sort out memories. It also ensures you wake up feeling rested and ready to take on the day. Alternatively, poor sleep can have a negative impact on your day. Certain factors can impact sleep quality. You may wonder, does snoring affect your sleep cycle?
Does Snoring Affect Your Sleep Cycle?
Snoring can be highly disruptive to your partner. They may ask you to roll over, wake you to stop, or ask you to sleep elsewhere. However, it is more than just an annoyance to those who sleep next to you. It can actually impact your sleep cycle. This can lead to daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and even mood changes. Snoring treatment is necessary if the issue persists for more than a couple of weeks.
Snoring occurs when air is trying to pass through a narrowed upper airway. As the air attempts to get through, the surrounding tissues in your nose and throat vibrate. This makes the snoring sound. Over time, snoring can impact your sleep cycle. This can negatively impact your light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep.
Sleep Stage Disruptions
Your sleep cycle has several stages. You fall into light sleep, then move into deep sleep, and finally REM sleep. This cycle repeats several times throughout the night and is necessary to achieve quality, restful sleep. Snoring disrupts this flow and pulls you out of deep or REM sleep. The interruptions reduce the amount of restorative sleep you get. Frequent snoring pulls you into light sleep, and you likely wake up feeling less refreshed. This is due to not logging enough hours and getting poor-quality sleep. The combination can wreak havoc on your days.
Impact on Daytime Functioning
Snoring disrupts sleep quality and reduces the amount of sleep you get. When snoring disrupts deep or REM sleep, you likely wake up feeling restless despite getting hours of sleep. Deep sleep helps your body repair itself. It also helps your brain process emotions and memories. Missing critical sleep stages can lead to brain fog, mood swings, memory issues, and daytime sleepiness. Snoring can also impact your oxygen levels. When they drop or your breathing becomes less efficient when you sleep, it can further impact sleep quality. It also triggers stress responses in your body. This can lead to several mental and physical health issues when left unchecked.
Contributing Factors that Exacerbate Snoring
Snoring in itself can disrupt your sleep. This can lead to lower-quality sleep and insufficient rest. Several contributing factors can exacerbate snoring. In turn, this can lead to several mental and physical health issues.
Extra Weight
If you are overweight or obese, it increases the risk of snoring. This is especially true if you have extra weight around your neck. Excess weight can squeeze your airway and create the perfect environment for snoring. Focus on managing your weight. Even reducing your weight by a few percent can help substantially.
Sleep Position
Those who sleep on their back are at an increased risk of snoring. Lying on your back allows the tongue and soft tissues to fall back. This can block airflow much more easily. Sleeping on your side can help with this. It allows your throat to remain open and reduces the risk of snoring.
Alcohol Use
Consuming alcohol or other sedatives at night can relax the throat muscles. This can make snoring more likely. If you can, avoid consuming alcohol within a few hours before you plan on going to sleep. If you take sedatives, try to do the same. However, be sure to consult with your prescribing doctor before making any changes.
Smoking
Smoking is harmful to your overall health. It can also irritate and inflame the airway. This increases the risk of snoring. Quit smoking altogether, as it can improve your throat health and airflow. If you cannot quit on your own, talk with your medical provider for support options.
Poor Sleep Schedule
Going to bed and waking up at different times can confuse the body. Working with your natural circadian rhythm can improve sleep quality, make it easier to fall asleep, and reduce the risk of snoring. Keeping a set bedtime helps your body understand when it is supposed to rest. Establish a consistent wind-down routine to prepare your body for restful sleep. If you still struggle with snoring, consult with a sleep specialist. They can assess your symptoms and create a customized treatment plan.
Risks of Untreated Snoring
Snoring can disrupt more than your partner’s sleep. It can signal deeper health issues in some cases. When snoring occurs, airflow is obstructed, which can lead to a sore throat, dry mouth, fatigue, and even mood issues. If left untreated, snoring can cause severe disruptions in your sleep. Snoring has been linked to sleep apnea and reduced quality of life. Over time, this increases your risk for high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic illnesses.
Treating snoring can improve your sleep quality and your daily life. There are several effective treatment options. They may include medication, targeted therapies, or lifestyle changes. A sleep specialist will create a customized treatment plan to meet your unique needs. Addressing snoring early on can improve your health. It can also lower your risk for severe conditions. Patients often report an increase in energy, health, and their overall well-being. If you have had issues with your sleep for more than a couple of weeks, it is a great time to seek treatment.
Top Sleep Specialist
If you are struggling with sleep, contact the team at Sleep MD today to schedule a consultation!
