Snoring is extremely common; indeed, we have all had a stormy night due to the snoring of someone who sleeps nearby. The vast majority of people who snore are unaware of it until they receive criticism from someone else since it usually occurs when we sleep, and we do not realize it.
Being so commonly associated with sleep, many people wonder if they can snore while awake. Suppose you are interested in knowing the answer to this question. In that case, if you have ever felt that you were snoring while awake or have been accused of doing so, we invite you to continue reading this FastlyHealarticle, where we will also give you some tips to reduce snoring.
Table of Contents
What is snoring
Snoring is the noise that occurs due to the vibration of the structures related to the upper airways, such as the bell or the soft palate, due to an alteration in the airflow, which can have different origins that we will explain you. Later.
This phenomenon has a high incidence rate in all populations, which can occur to a greater or lesser extent at any age and is approximately twice as frequent in men compared to women. It should also be mentioned that different factors can influence and increase snoring in a person, such as obesity, alcoholism, or respiratory problems.
Causes of snoring
Under certain circumstances, the upper airways can narrow their diameter, which means that the air displaces specific structures that make up the pathway to reach the lungs, causing the vibration of such a system and producing snoring.
In most cases, the soft palate is responsible since when we sleep, the muscles relax, and the veil moves backward, closing the airway. The same can also happen with the tongue or jaw, which moves backward when we sleep like the soft palate.
The nasal obstruction resulting from inflammation or enlargement of mucosal or other nasal tissues may also produce a change in the flow of air that will cause snoring. Allergic rhinitis, sinusitis maxilla, and turbinate hypertrophy are some conditions that can cause nasal snoring.
Other conditions can also contribute to the appearance of snoring; some of them are:
- Obesity or excess weight
- Smoking
- Alcoholism
- Bad postures
Is it normal to snore while awake?
Answering the question we asked in the title, it must be said that yes, you can snore while awake. Although snoring occurs in the vast majority of cases while we sleep due to the relaxation of the various structures, under certain conditions, the occasional occurrence of snoring while awake is possible under certain circumstances.
In general, several elements of the cause of snoring must be added for this to happen. Understanding that muscles stretch when we are relaxed, it is easy to assume that being distracted by some activity, such as watching a movie, can happen. The nasal conditions also contribute to this, even producing a whistle instead of a snore because of how narrow the airways become. The excess fat in the neck is another factor to consider.
Although snoring is instead an uncomfortable situation for the affected person and those around him, it can also become a risky condition, for example, the obstruction of the airways can cause problems that include:
- Sleep disruption
- Fatigue
- Hypertension
- Heart problems
- Stress
You are beginning to feel that you are snoring. At the same time, awake may indicate that predisposing situations, such as an allergic rhinitis problem, are evolving to a more severe state.
Tips to stop snoring
Snoring does not have a drug treatment because it is a phenomenon that occurs due to anatomical characteristics. What needs to be treated are the conditions that predispose to snoring.
For those who have had snoring episodes while awake, it is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist to evaluate the condition of the airways and treat possible nasal diseases that are worsening. In some severe cases, surgeries may be indicated to remove tissues obstructing the airway. Quitting smoking and alcohol and dieting to control excess weight are some tips to reduce the frequency of snoring.
For those who snore in their sleep, sleeping on their side can decrease snoring by clearing the airways. The most effective way to eliminate noise is to use a device known by the acronym CPAP, whose function is to maintain a constant air pressure that prevents the collapse of structures and therefore snoring. There are other simpler devices whose role is to move the jaw forward while sleeping.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Can, you snore while awake? We recommend that you enter our category of Lung and respiratory tract.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.