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Muscle control

There may also be functional changes in the control of those very important muscles which keep the airways open when a breath is taken in. If these muscles are weakened or if they become unsynchronized with inspiratory and expiratory efforts, then the pharynx may collapse.

Alcohol

Many snorers are both surprised and disappointed to learn that alcohol worsens their condition. It causes depression of the respiratory control centre of the brain, weakens those important dilating muscles of the upper airway and promotes swelling of the surrounding tissue. For the committed drinker, total alcohol avoidance is a bitter pill to swallow but must be considered seriously by those suffering the effects of repeated airway obstruction. At the very least, alcohol should be avoided several hours before sleep.

Medications

Some commonly used medications are also known to exacerbate snoring, many of which are prescribed for the treatment of poor sleep (insomnia) or nervous and anxiety related disorders. Ironically, heavy snoring and repetitive airway obstruction can be very disruptive to sleep with many sufferers resorting to the use of “sleeping pills” to solve the problem, a course which invariably aggravates the situation. The effects of sedatives, tranquilizers or muscle relaxants should be kept in mind by those who have a snoring problem, particularly if taken immediately prior to, or during the sleeping hours. Where such medication results in a worsening of symptoms relating to snoring and sleep quality, a doctor should be consulted to reassess not only the underlying cause of snoring, but also the role of the medication in question.

Nasal obstruction

Conditions such as allergic rhinitis which cause swelling of the nasal passages or more permanent forms of nasal obstruction such as nasal polyps may also cause snoring, particularly when there are other predisposing factors. Blocked nasal passages increase the total resistance of the upper airway; the muscles used for breathing have to work harder to overcome this resistance hence a greater negative pressure is generated which tends to suck in the walls of the pharynx.

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Tags: General Health