Why does obesity cause snoring?

The article was professionally consulted by Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Head of the Department of Digestive Surgery, 108 Central Military Hospital.

Obesity causes snoring

– Fat accumulation in the neck and throat area: Excess fat accumulation around the neck and throat area can narrow the airway, leading to vibration of the soft tissues in the throat when breathing, causing snoring.

– Increased pressure in the chest: Excess belly and chest fat can increase pressure on the diaphragm and other respiratory muscles, reducing the ability of the airways to expand and leading to snoring.

– Reduced airway muscles: Excess fat can weaken the muscles around the airways, making them more susceptible to vibration as air passes through, causing snoring.

The effects of snoring on health

– Sleep disturbance: Snoring can disrupt the sleep of both the person sleeping and the person sleeping with them. This can lead to insufficient sleep and feeling tired during the day.

– Sleep apnea: In some cases, snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, which causes temporary breathing stops and reduces the body’s oxygen supply.

– Increased risk of cardiovascular disease: Snoring and sleep apnea can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease due to increased blood pressure and problems related to lack of oxygen in the blood.

– Affects quality of life: Snoring can affect quality of life, causing stress and fatigue for both the sleeper and the person sleeping with them.

How to limit snoring

– Weight loss: Losing weight can help reduce excess fat around the neck and abdomen, reducing pressure on the airways and reducing snoring. Eat a healthy diet and increase physical activity.

– Change your sleeping position: Sleeping on your side instead of your back can help reduce snoring. When you sleep on your back, your tongue and soft tissues in your throat can be pushed back and obstruct your airway.

– Create a comfortable sleeping environment: Making sure your bedroom is comfortable, quiet and dark can help improve sleep quality and reduce snoring.

– Avoid alcohol and sedatives: Alcohol and sedatives can relax the muscles in your throat and increase your risk of snoring. Avoid these substances, especially before bed.

– Improve sleep quality: Practice healthy sleep habits such as going to bed and waking up at the same time every day and avoiding eating a large meal or drinking a lot of water before bed.

– Treat allergies: If snoring is caused by allergies, treating the allergy symptoms can help reduce the blockage in your airways.

– Use a CPAP machine: For severe snoring related to sleep apnea, using a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine can help keep the airway open and improve sleep quality.

– Consult a doctor: If snoring does not improve or there are signs of sleep apnea, consult a doctor for appropriate examination and treatment.