Why Do People Snore While Sleeping?

Generally speaking, snoring refers to the condition of having a snore. Causes of snoring during sleep include obesity, improper sleeping posture, rhinitis, hypothyroidism, and enlarged adenoids. The solutions depend on the specific cause and should be selected accordingly. Prompt medical consultation and treatment according to medical advice are necessary. Details are as follows:

1. Obesity: Obese individuals tend to accumulate more fat in the neck and abdominal areas. When sleeping, especially when lying flat, fatty tissues in the throat area can compress the airway, causing narrowing of the pharyngeal passage and obstructed airflow, thus resulting in snoring. Weight loss through dietary control and increased physical activity can help reduce airway compression. No special medication is required.

2. Improper sleeping posture: Poor sleeping posture, such as using a high pillow or excessive neck extension, may impair airway patency, causing the tongue to fall backward or pharyngeal muscles to relax, restricting airflow and causing snoring. Adjusting sleeping posture, such as adopting a side-lying position and appropriately elevating the head of the bed, can help maintain airway patency. No medication is required.

3. Rhinitis: Rhinitis can cause nasal airway narrowing, resulting in impaired airflow and snoring during sleep, possibly accompanied by nasal congestion and rhinorrhea. According to medical advice, medications such as Xuan Tong Qiao Granules, Qian Bai Rhinitis Tablets, and Tong Qiao Rhinitis Granules can be used for clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting blood circulation and removing wind, and relieving inflammation and wind-related symptoms.

4. Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism can reduce the reactivity of the respiratory center, weaken respiratory muscle contraction, and decrease airway tension, thereby causing snoring, which may also be accompanied by fatigue. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as levothyroxine sodium tablets, thyroid tablets, and alfacalcidol soft capsules can be used to supplement thyroid hormones for treatment.

5. Adenoid hypertrophy: Adenoids are lymphatic tissues located in the nasopharynx. When enlarged, they may block the airway and compress the Eustachian tube, causing rapid breathing and snoring, possibly accompanied by nasal congestion. Under medical guidance, adenoidectomy could be considered. This surgical procedure enlarges the airway by removing the enlarged adenoids, thereby improving airflow and alleviating snoring symptoms.

During treatment, it is important to follow medical advice, take medications on time, and pay attention to adjusting lifestyle habits and dietary patterns to promote recovery.

References:

[1] Guo Xi Heng. Practical Sleep Medicine [M]. 2nd ed. Beijing: People's Medical Publishing House, 2018.

[2] Zhang Xi, Hu Jingqing. Clinical Practice of Sleep Medicine [M]. Beijing: People's Medical Publishing House, 2019.