Can Stress Cause Snoring?
Stress can have profound effects on the body and lead to snoring. If you’ve developed a snoring condition, it’s important to see a sleep specialist as it may be an underlying health condition.
Why Have I Started Snoring All of a Sudden?
If you have suddenly developed a snoring condition, it can be due to a variety of factors. Stress can be a contributing factor when it comes to snoring. Stress can make it harder for you to fall asleep or get a good night’s rest.
Does Stress Affect Snoring?
When you experience stress throughout your day, your brain releases hormones in response, such as norepinephrine and cortisol. These hormones release increased tension, makes restful sleep challenging, and can throw off your sleep cycle.
Weight Gain
Stress can cause lifestyle changes that lead to snoring. Some find that eating can help reduce the effects of stress, however, this can lead to weight gain. Excess fat around the throat can restrict the airway and cause snoring.
Alcohol
Others may find that alcohol helps alleviate stress, however, this can lead to a relaxation of the muscles of the throat that can directly cause snoring.
How Do You Stop Snoring Quickly?
Snoring is a common but treatable condition. Since the mechanism that causes snoring is the vibration of the uvula and soft palate as air flows through the airway, stopping the vibration will stop the snoring.
Change sleep positions to see if it can help. Avoid laying on your back and try sleeping on your side.
Additionally, an oral appliance can help stop snoring. Your sleep specialist doctor takes a custom mold of your mouth from which an appliance is created. You wear the device as you sleep. The mouth guard stops your palate from vibrating as you breathe by holding your mouth in a certain position.
How Can You Tell If You Snore in Your Sleep?
If you have the following symptoms, it could also be a sign that you snore:
- Daytime Sleepiness
- Feeling Fatigued during the day
- Morning Headaches
- Concentration Difficulties
- Restless Sleep
- Sore Throat
- Gasping at Night
Is Snoring a Sign of Bad Health?
Excessive snoring could be a sign you have a sleep condition called sleep apnea. People with untreated sleep apnea frequently stop breathing as they sleep. Pauses in breathing can last from a few seconds to minutes. Sleep apnea can cause health complications.
If you are experiencing stress or have symptoms of snoring, make an appointment today with Dr. Levin at eos dental sleep. We can help find the best treatment to improve your health, including managing your stress and snoring.