Lots of people snore. Old and young people alike are susceptible to the unmistakably loud breathing patterns that happen during sleep when nasal pathways are obstructed. But what causes this type of snoring, exactly? Is it something that just older folks have to deal with, and is there a link between age and snoring?
Is There a Link Between Age and Snoring?
If you are like many of the patients who visit their trusted sleep doctor in New York City, you want to know the answers to the above questions. Below, we will talk about what connections exist between age and snoring and how you can get the best treatment for your sleep health ASAP.
We Snore More As We Age
While there are many types of snoring that people of all ages can be susceptible to, there is proof to show that many people snore more as they age. The science of sleep does change over time, and many external factors can also contribute to the likelihood of snoring. For example, folks who don’t sleep soundly throughout the night are more likely to start snoring as they get older.
Snoring is one of the most prominent signs of sleep apnea, so it’s important that you monitor other parts of your sleep health and report to your doctor if there are any signs of concern. Early treatment is the best way to avoid some of the more detrimental conditions that can come from untreated snoring and sleep apnea. Snoring is one of the more prominent symptoms of that condition, but other signs may include daytime drowsiness and irritation.
Airways Weakened Over Time
The reason we start to snore more as we age is that our airways get weakened over time. Skin tissue gets softer and loses its elasticity, leading to different types of vibrations when we breathe. As airways are less toned over time, it becomes more difficult for your respiratory system to keep running as smoothly as it used to.
There are other reasons why age contributes to an increase in snoring over time. Still, different types of prescribed medications may lead to increased blood pressure and heart rate. This could cause your sleep patterns to be drastically different. In addition, your metabolism slows over time. A dip in physical activity combined with a slowed-down metabolism is a leading contributor of snoring in older patients.
How to Treat Age-Related Snoring
While many bodily changes are expected to happen as you age, that doesn’t mean there is nothing you can do about it. You can combat age-related snoring through several means. At Sleep MD NYC, we offer treatments to help clear blocked noses and airways, ensuring that you can breathe more soundly at night.
A diagnosis of sleep apnea may make it necessary for you to wear a mouthpiece or a C-PAP machine while you are snoozing at night. This machine keeps your airways open and reduces snoring, which can be a huge help to those dealing with an advanced version of this condition. Your doctor can help you commit to lifestyle changes that can strengthen your breathing and reduce your likelihood of snoring over time.
Get Top-Tier Snoring Treatments Today
Worried about your sleep health? Get in touch with our doctors today. You may be on a trajectory for increased snoring and reduced feelings of restfulness with an undiagnosed sleep condition. Visit your trusted sleep doctor to sign up for personalized snoring treatment in NYC. The sooner you assess your health needs, the easier it will be to get ahead of the curve and stay on top of your health. Get in touch with us ASAP to create your custom treatment plan.
