Snoring myths

Snoring is a prevalent and often misunderstood sleep-related issue. It's surrounded by myths and misconceptions that can lead to confusion and even inadequate treatment. Let's delve into some of the common myths about snoring and separate fact from fiction. 

Myth 1: Snoring is a Sign of Deep Sleep

 

Reality: While it's a common belief that snoring indicates deep and restful sleep, it's far from the truth. Snoring is actually a sign of disturbed sleep. It occurs when the flow of air through the mouth and throat is partially blocked, leading to the vibration of tissues. In fact, snoring can disrupt the sleep cycle, resulting in a lack of truly restorative rest. 

Myth 2: Snoring is Harmless

 

Reality: Snoring can be more than just a nightly annoyance. It can be a symptom of a serious condition known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, which can have significant health implications, including an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, stroke, and daytime fatigue. Ignoring snoring, especially when it's accompanied by other symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness, should not be taken lightly. 

Myth 3: Only Overweight People Snore

 

Reality: While excess weight is a common factor in snoring, it's not the sole cause. Thin individuals can also snore. Snoring can be attributed to various factors, including the anatomy of the airway, alcohol consumption, smoking, and even age. Weight management is one aspect, but it's essential to consider the broader spectrum of causes. 

Myth 4: Snoring is Incurable

 

Reality: Many individuals resign themselves to living with snoring, believing that it's an unchangeable aspect of their sleep. In truth, there are various effective treatments for snoring, from lifestyle changes to medical interventions. Identifying the underlying cause of snoring is the first step in finding an appropriate solution. For example, lifestyle adjustments, oral devices, or even surgical procedures can significantly reduce or eliminate snoring. 

Myth 5: Everyone Who Snores Has Sleep Apnea

 

Reality: While snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, not everyone who snores has this condition. Sleep apnea is characterised by episodes of complete airflow obstruction, leading to choking or gasping for breath. If you snore loudly and frequently experience daytime sleepiness or other concerning symptoms, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation to determine if sleep apnea is present. 

Don't dismiss snoring as a common issue; it's worth addressing, not only for better sleep but also for your overall health and well-being. If you or a loved one is affected by snoring, seeking medical guidance is the first step toward a healthier and more restful night's sleep.

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Sleep Revitalizes your Mind, Body, & Heart

The body goes under many transformations, while it is in the state of rest during sleep. There are many essential functions that take place in the body such as tissue repair, memory and energy restoration, release of essential hormones, muscle relaxation, and others. While you are asleep, the brain releases indispensable hormones that promote tissue growth. This process helps your body rejuvenate from the daily hustle bustle. Moreover, tissue growth aids in the recovery from wounds or cuts. Sunita Kumar, Co-Director, Centre for Sleep Disorders, Loyola University Medical Centre, aptly remarks that during sleep the body produces more white blood cells, to fight countless bacteria and viruses1. The heart rate also registers a dip during sleep, which according to Ms. Kumar, strengthens the heart as it is at rest with lowered activity. Moreover, a good night’s sleep also reduces the chances of getting afflicted with heart diseases.

Good Sleep = Sharp Memory

Sleep is a time, when becomes sharp and strong. Sleep quantity and quality play a fundamental role in determining what one remembers and what one doesnt. Therefore, development of long-term memory (LTM) from short-term memory (STM) happens during sleep.  Scientific researches state that the brain follows a different mechanism for storing memories through the hippocampus and neo-cortex areas. Hippocampus helps you to remember your life experiences (childhood memories), while the neo-cortex is responsible for remembering the concepts you learn (name of a color). Communications and sync between the two, helps in learning new data and updating old ones.

Sleep Steers Hormonal Hunger

Sleep not only affects your energy levels and mental functions, but also regulates your body weight. Improper sleep is related to the increasing cases of obesity, worldwide2. Many hormones which regulate the feeling of hunger (ghrelin) and signal the feeling of being full (leptin), are all influenced by the quality of your sleep.  Leptin: This is also known as satiety hormone, which is produced by the fat cells of the body. It prevents overeating by sending signals to the brain that the body does not require more food, as there is enough to fuel the body.  Ghrelin: This hunger hormone is produced in the gastrointestinal tract, which signifies the body that there is need for food. This hormone rises in the body, when you feel hungry and decreases when you have consumed some food.  Studies show that people who have disrupted patterns of sleep - have larger appetite, because of higher ghrelin secretion and lowered secretion of leptin. This imbalance in the secretion of these hormones is a result of improper sleep patterns3.

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Reference

1

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/discomfort-15/better-sleep/healing-power-sleep?page=2

2

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3619301/

3

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3619301/