There have been so many times during our childhood when we have made fun of people around us, be it our grandparents, parents or elderly uncles who snore loudly. What we fail to realize is that – in reality – it is not something that should be taken lightly. Snoring can actually indicate some serious underlying illness.
People around the world are being more and more sleep deprived, while the duration of their sleep is declining at a dangerous rate. A good night’s rest is important for the overall health of an individual. Most individuals know that obesity has a very negative effect on our health, but few people are aware that weight gain can actually cause snoring.
Surprised, right? Let’s dive into its details.
What is snoring?
Snoring is a sound or noise made as we breathe during sleep. It’s a common problem among all age groups and is seen in both genders.
What is the connection between weight gain and snoring?
Because of an unhealthy lifestyle and diet, weight gain has become a huge problem among a majority of the population and is the root cause of many diseases.
It has been observed that although snoring is a normal condition, it occurs more frequently in people who are overweight. It is seen that the condition worsens with age. But what really is the relationship between weight gain and snoring?
- Excess Fat Deposition
Although it may seem like when we gain weight it is deposited in just a few areas, the excess of fat gets distributed in the body as a whole. When this extra layer of fat gets deposited near the throat and neck area, it narrows the air passage. This leads to a hindrance in the airflow, resulting in the sound that we call snoring.
- Replacement of Muscle Tone with Fat
Another phenomenon that is seen in people who gain weight is that sometimes their fat replaces the muscle tone in the area around the throat. This causes the soft tissue and the soft palate in the throat to become pendulous and results in increased snoring.
So, how do you judge whether it is the fat deposited that is causing the snoring or is it some it other health issue?
A simple way is to check the collar size of your shirt. In many scientific studies it has been found out that men whose collar size is larger than about seventeen inches and women whose collar size is more than sixteen inches are prone to snoring and have a higher risk of sleep apnea.
Can snoring cause weight gain?
In short, yes. In other words, it’s true the other way around as well. It might seem difficult to believe, but snoring can be one of the reasons why you are gaining weight in the first place, and why you might be having a hard time losing weight. Snoring sometimes leads to severe sleep deprivation, which makes you feel lethargic the next day. This, in turn, might lead to make you skip your workout and also the extra work you could have put in your regular exercise regimens.
A scientific study, carried out at University of Chicago, showed that sleep deprivation leads to metabolic changes. This often result in a heightened appetite. In addition, when a person snores, the body and the heart have to work harder so as to fulfill the oxygen requirement. Because of this, the body is not able to get a proper REM sleep or a sound sleep. This exhaustion also leads to binge eating habits that makes you gain even more weight.
If the problem of snoring is severe one must seek doctor’s advice and get the treatment done, if there is an underlying health condition. There are ways to treat this, however. Read on the find out how you can use home remedies to address this issue.
1. Avoid dairy products at night
Having milk or other dairy products can form a layer of mucus in mouth and throat. This can make snoring worse, since the mucus adds to the blockage of the airways. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid the consumption of dairy product right before you sleep, in order to keep your sinuses and throat clear.
2. Lose weight if overweight
By getting rid of unnecessary fat, you will be able to reduce the amount of tissue in the throat. Speak to your dietician to set up a healthy diet plan and stick to it. Go for a brisk walk in morning and evening. Eventually, as you slim down, you will realize that your snoring is reduced as well.
3. Use cardamom
Take one glass of warm water and add ½ tsp of cardamom powder to it. Consume it every night at least half an hour before going to bed. This will, in time, reduce your snoring. It also has properties that relax your mind, so you have a sound sleep.
4. Herbal tea
A herbal tea containing tulsi (basil) leaves, a pinch of turmeric, and fennel seeds helps in relieving congestion and reducing snoring.A herbal tea is also beneficial in clearing the nasal passages for a hassle-free flow of air.
5. Fenugreek and Carom seeds
Snoring that is caused due to indigestion can be cured by using fenugreek.It helps in digestion and is shown to fight sleep apnea, which leads to snoring. A tea made with carom seeds must be sipped half an hour after dinner. This also aids digestion and hence snoring will be reduced.
6. Vitamin C Foods
Fruits like orange, lemon and bell peppers are rich in vitamin C. Consuming them on a regular basis makes the immune system of the body stronger and clears sinuses. It also aids in strengthening your immune system.
7. Side sleeping
If the snoring problem is not severe this might be the solution. Use a pillow to maintain a side sleeping position. This can prevent un-toned throat muscle from blocking the breathing passageway.
Bottom line, being overweight does more damage than affecting a person’s body image and self-esteem. Excessive snoring is a serious issue and should be dealt with proper care. Improving the overall fitness of the body will surely help you fight snoring, amongst other health problems. Click here to find out which technology you can use to help you sleep better.
Who is the author?
Katherine Dilworth is a wife, mother and a blogger. She writes on caseydilworth.com, a blog which provides exclusive information on Why do People Snore and snoring Solutions.
