6 Things Your Snoring Can Say About You

Snoring: A common problem

Snoring is a common problem. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 37 million adults snore consistently every night. The American Academy of Otolaryngology suggests that 45 percent of adults snore occasionally, whereas 25 percent of adults snore habitually. It can be a sign of a more serious issue.

Memory Problems

A study from Neurology suggests the presence of a link between heavy snoring/breathing trouble and cognitive decline. It is believed that breathing disturbances mess with sleep in a way to speed development of common age-related brain concerns.

Stroke Risk

A research at the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit associates heavy snoring and arterial damage. It is believed that snoring can cause inflammation and damage to arteries.

Obesity

If you have been snuffing and snorting for quite some time now, you may at the forefront of an impending weight gain. A study done at the University of Chicago reveals that sleeping poorly agitates two of the body's hormones—leptin and ghrelin—that help control appetite and food cravings.

Cancer

Heavy, sporadic snoring has a connection with cancer. A University of Wisconsin study suggests that you are five times more likely to die because of cancer if you snore heavily. Breathing problems speed growth of tumours besides giving them more opportunities to spread.

Blood Pressure Problems

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that heavy snoring is one of the most common symptoms of apnoea. Likewise, snoring may also be a sign of high blood pressure.

Problems in Bed

Struggling to enjoy a satisfying sexual life is very common in older men who snore more frequently. One of the reasons behind it is loud snoring messing with both you and your partner's sleep and leading to less energy and less interest in sexual pursuits.

How to tell if Snoring is a Medical Problem?

Stopping breathing or gasping can suggest a breathing problem like sleep apnoea and heart problems. Leg kicking or other jerking movements are also signs that you must visit your doctor. Simple clinical evaluations cannot determine if a person only snores or has  significant sleep disturbance issues. Those who sleep (or lie awake and are not sleeping) near a snorer can tell if snoring is heavy.

(Images:Getty)