New Delhi, December 24 (IANS). A large number of people around the world are suffering from the problem of snoring. Usually people take it lightly, but it not only spoils the quality of sleep but also gradually affects the health.
This problem is seen more in winter, because in this season the air becomes colder and drier. This problem is seen more in men than in women, but with increasing age, snoring can also increase in women.
There are many reasons in winter which make this problem more serious. Therefore, first of all it is important to know why snoring occurs and why it increases in cold weather.
According to science, snoring occurs when the windpipe does not remain completely open while sleeping. The muscles of the body become loose during sleep. It also involves the muscles of the throat and tongue. When these muscles are loose, the breathing path becomes slightly narrower. When air passes through this narrow passage, the soft tissues inside the throat start moving. It is due to this movement or vibration that the sound of snoring is produced.
The cause of snoring is not the same in every person. The structure of the throat or nose of some people is such that they start snoring quickly. Some people have a thick soft palate, while others have a slightly larger tongue. At the same time, in some people, excess fat accumulates around the neck, which puts pressure on the windpipe. All these reasons together can increase the problem of snoring.
Snoring increases in winter because the air in this season is very dry. When we inhale cold and dry air, the inner surface of the nose and throat starts drying up. Due to dryness there may be slight irritation and swelling. Due to this, the wind pipe becomes more narrow, due to which there is more vibration while breathing while sleeping and snoring becomes more intense.
Apart from this, cold, allergy and sinus problems are also common in winter. When the nose is blocked, people start breathing through the mouth, which further increases the chances of snoring.
The problem of snoring is more prevalent in some people. Obesity is considered a major reason for this. When you are overweight, the fat accumulated around the neck presses the inner space of the throat. With increasing age, muscle strength also starts decreasing, due to which snoring may increase in the elderly. This problem is also common in those who drink alcohol and take sleeping medicines, because these things loosen the throat muscles excessively.
Necessary changes in lifestyle can be made to reduce snoring. Sleeping position plays an important role in this. Sleeping on your side keeps the airway more open, which reduces snoring. Similarly, one should avoid eating heavy food late at night, because a full stomach puts pressure on the diaphragm and can cause difficulty in breathing.
It is important to pay special attention to the air in the room in winter. Too much dry air can harm the nose and throat. Maintaining light moisture keeps the respiratory tract comfortable. Taking steam with lukewarm water can also be helpful in keeping the nose moist. This loosens the accumulated phlegm and opens the nose.
–IANS
PK/ABM
