Snoring needs no introduction, as almost everyone is familiar with this phenomenon at some level. A bad snorer can interrupt regular, healthy sleep cycles for themselves and the individuals they share a bed with, resulting in a deprivation of the quality of life for all parties. Given that snoring involves aspects of our physiology, there is no specific minimum age at which it will begin. That said, it is more common in men than in women and can increase in severity as one ages. If you or a loved one are a chronic snorer, read this overview of the subject and the steps you can take to try to control it with snoring treatment.
What is Snoring?
Snoring is an unconscious sleep habit that most often manifests as a rumbling or buzzing sound when an individual who is asleep breathes. The most common cause of snoring is blockage of an individual’s airways and respiratory system.
Snoring is a very common issue, and many individuals will experience it in some form or fashion before the end of their lives. However, it pays to stay aware of one’s snoring if it becomes more severe, as it can sometimes indicate that there are more severe health issues at play.
At What Age Does Snoring Begin?
As previously stated, there is almost no minimum age at which snoring can begin, although it is quite rare for young children to experience it. Snoring becomes worse with age because the muscles in one’s respiratory system lose strength and firmness as the years wear on.
This decrease in muscle functionality, in turn, increases the chance that you will experience some snoring as you age. Along with this natural element that increases the chance of snoring, other risk factors can increase the chance that you will experience snoring as time goes on:
- Family: If you have an ancestor or a parent who snores, you are more likely to experience this phenomenon at some point in your life.
- Substance use: If you are a frequent user of alcohol or sedative substances, then this may contribute to the development of more intense snoring as time goes on.
- Body weight: If you are overweight or obese, your snoring may be exacerbated. Losing weight can help your snoring become less severe over time.
- Body type: Certain aspects of one’s anatomy can contribute to worsening snoring. Some of these include especially large tonsils, adenoids, or tongues. If you have a deviated septum, you may also be more likely to snore.
How Do You Treat Snoring?
Generally, doctors do not treat snoring as a medical issue unless it is particularly severe. However, if your snoring is severe to the point that it significantly interferes with your life, then it might be a good idea to check out some of the available treatment options. Some of these include:
- Dental mouthpieces: These can manipulate and reposition your tongue and soft palate to make room for your airways.
- Surgery: Surgical procedures, such as septoplasty, can correct a deviated septum to improve a patient’s outlook for snoring.
- Palatal Implants: These involve injecting braided polyester strands into one’s palate to stiffen it and reduce snoring.
- Laser Surgery: Some types of laser surgery can shorten the soft palate and adjust one’s uvula to impact one’s breath.
- Masks: Doctors may prescribe a mask or CPAP machine to patients with sleep apnea to enhance breathing and airflow.
As stated, the above treatments will likely only be employed if one’s snoring is especially severe, or if it is deemed to be connected to a more impactful medical issue. For medical situations that require surgery, you will need to undergo some level of physiological assessment to determine whether or not you are fit for treatment. Consequently, if you have a serious chronic health issue, there is some chance that you will need to opt for a non-surgical option for treating your snoring.
New York’s Choice Sleep Doctor
Dr. Mayank Shukla and the rest of the Sleep MD New York team are at the forefront of developing the best treatments available to curb a snoring habit. If you are interested in talking with a sleep doctor in Manhattan about your snoring, contact us today to set up an appointment.
