Snoring in women: causes and treatment – ​​MEDSI

Women's snoring, just like men's, can be very loud, sometimes reaching 80 decibels. Why do women snore and how to treat it? Should we seriously worry about this? Is snoring dangerous and why? Is it possible to completely cure it? How can a girl get rid of snoring in order to arrange her personal life? What medical and folk remedies will help eliminate snoring?

Being next to someone who snores in their sleep, or even snores a little, at night is not easy. Women's snoring is more annoying than men's and both the snorer and all family members. Snoring and a woman do not fit together, so ways to get rid of it become a serious task. Unlike men, people perceive snoring in a woman’s sleep more sharply, especially when girls snore. For the spouse, there is a problem with sleep if the wife snores. He is deprived of the opportunity to sleep normally and experiences negative emotions because of this.

What is the danger of snoring for the female body?

Typically, snoring is not considered a serious health problem and does not require special treatment. But constant, fairly loud snoring can be a symptom of apnea, and this disease requires diagnosis and observation by a doctor. Characteristic symptoms of apnea are snoring, sweating during sleep, decreased performance, breathing apnea during sleep, etc. Also among the consequences of snoring can be noted:

• Conflicts in the family.
• Chronic lack of sleep.
• Poor general health.
• Increased fatigue.
• Holding your breath up to several times a night.
• Poor oxygen saturation of the blood.
• Risk of heart attack, stroke.

Snoring in women - causes and treatment

Snoring during sleep is associated with vibration of the walls of the nasopharynx, soft palate and uvula when the opening through which oxygen passes during breathing decreases. The factors behind this phenomenon in women can be varied:

Disruptions in the activity of the endocrine system:

• an increase in the content of male sexual hormones - androgens - in the blood and a decrease in the content of their antagonists - female sex hormones estrogens, which maintain the tone of smooth muscles, including the muscles of the soft palate and uvula; with a decrease in tone, the muscles bend and sway during breathing, initiating sound; At night, the muscles weaken more, for this reason the problem intensifies;
• long-term use of hormonal contraceptives without laboratory monitoring can lead to a lasting inhibition of the production of one’s own estrogens, which will also contribute to the formation of respiratory disorders;
• age after 40 - 45 years, when there is a natural decrease in estrogen secretion;
• hypothyroidism - decreased functionality of the thyroid gland; with this disease, metabolism is inhibited, which cannot but affect the production of sex hormones; weight increases, dry mucous membranes develop, including the nasopharynx; all this contributes to the formation of snoring;
• diabetes mellitus - impaired carbohydrate metabolism leads to impaired blood flow, decreased immunity and the formation of protracted infectious and inflammatory processes, including in the ENT organs (chronic sinusitis, tonsillitis, adenoiditis); they provoke tissue swelling, which worsens at night, when the body warms up and lies in a horizontal position;
• obesity - unnecessary kilos increase during menopause and menopause (affected by a lack of estrogen), with certain endocrine pathologies, a sedentary lifestyle and a poor diet; Fat accumulation in the soft palate contributes to snoring at night.

All kinds of chronic inflammatory diseases of the nasopharynx - allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, adenoiditis, etc.

Malocclusion.

Smoking, love of alcohol - leads to drying of the mucous membranes and a reduction in their volume (atrophy); thinned mucous membranes cannot fully carry out their barrier task - to prevent the entry of infection and toxins that have a negative effect on the smooth muscles of the nasopharynx.

Prolonged uncontrolled use of sleeping pills and powerful sedatives (tranquilizers) leads to constant relaxation of smooth muscles and the formation of snoring.

Malfunctions of the central or peripheral nervous system, which lead to changes in the innervation of the smooth muscles of the soft palate.

Snoring can also appear against the background of severe overwork or as a result of stress.

Causes of snoring during sleep in women - Psychosomatics

There are psychomatic reasons for sleep pathologies in girls and older women. According to psychologists, such changes may appear for the following reasons:

• blocking emotions and holding back feelings leads to the accumulation of negative energy. As a result, all negativity pours out at night;
• secrecy, difficulty in expressing one’s opinion. The psychosomatics of snoring lies in the fact that a woman, arriving in a state of rest, begins to throw out everything that she could not do during the daytime;
• inability to realize oneself as a person;
• mental anxieties, stress.

Causes of snoring

The cause of snoring is a narrowing of the lumen of the pharynx, either as a result of a disease, or as a result of weakening of the muscle walls, or due to congenital anatomical features. The most common cause of snoring in children and young people is inflammatory swelling of the nasopharynx, usually formed during an infectious disease. Snoring in young children can be caused by enlarged adenoids.

In older people, the main cause of snoring is age-related weakening of muscle tone. Other causes of snoring are obesity, deviated septum, and long uvula.

Another group of causes of snoring are functional, transient changes. For example, a decrease in the tone of the pharyngeal muscles can be caused by drinking alcohol or overwork.

Diagnosis and treatment

Suspension of breathing at night, during sleep, is one of the most severe consequences of snoring.

To understand whether this risk exists, a diagnostic process called polysomnography is performed. It is produced using a special device. The patient is connected to it using special sensors. The instrument records breathing characteristics, heart rhythms, and more. The results obtained in this case are taken as the basis for establishing a diagnosis. Based on this, effective treatment is developed.

Viewers have repeatedly asked Elena Malysheva questions: what to do when snoring occurs in women, what type of therapy to use? Is it possible to completely cure snoring and improve sleep? How to stop snoring during sleep in women? What to do to organize treatment and overcome this scourge? Treatment options for snoring depend on the severity of the pathology and personal characteristics. Therefore, healing methods are not equally effective for all women. How to properly treat snoring in women? Based on the diagnostic results, professionals will be able to select an effective remedy for snoring.

1. Therapy through the use of medicinal drugs. Special sprays and nasal drops are prescribed to promote proper breathing. Their function is to moisturize and soften the mucous membranes of the nose. By relieving swelling, they help expand the lumen of the airways.
2. If snoring occurs due to excess weight, it is necessary to do everything possible to get rid of it. The patient will need the help of a nutritionist. Professionals will prescribe a suitable diet for her for a long time. You will need to exclude everything high-calorie from your diet and not eat before bed. Any lady will be happy to get herself into proper shape - in addition to getting rid of snoring, she will have an extra incentive to follow medical instructions and a strict diet.
3. If there are congenital abnormalities in the structure of the nasopharynx, surgery will be required. With its help, it is possible to correct the nasal septum. This problem is solved in some situations using a laser. After this, it will take at least two to three weeks for rehabilitation. Such an operation will undoubtedly relieve unpleasant snoring.
4. There is no need to stay in the hospital while snoring is cured. But a woman must remember that she needs rest, drinking alcohol is prohibited and smoking is contraindicated. This may require treatment procedures using digital medical equipment.
5. If the culprit for snoring is severe stress or chronic fatigue, then after the diagnosis is established, the patient will receive a prescription for antidepressants and sedatives that will help eliminate the problem.
6. If the cause of the disease is a hormonal imbalance in the body due to improper functioning of the endocrine system, which is revealed based on the results of comprehensive tests, doctors prescribe taking hormonal medications to restore the balance.

In addition to the above, doctors prescribe special exercises that, together with medical procedures, help cure snoring and normalize sleep in women. They are performed as follows.

1. Squeeze a wood chip between your teeth. Secure the clamp, hold it and do not let go for 2-3 minutes. It is advisable to perform this manipulation a couple of minutes before bedtime.
2. Having thrown your tongue out, tilt it down as much as possible to feel the tension. Hold on like this for at least 20 seconds. The number of repetitions is 20–30 times. Also exercise before bed.
3. Movement of the lower jaw forward and backward, while pressing on it with your hands to experience resistance. Perform this exercise twice every day: in the mornings and evenings, at least 10–15 repetitions.

After a month of such daily gymnastics, the result will appear, provided that the exercises are performed systematically and honestly. In addition to the above, when treating snoring, doctors advise women to also follow the following basic recommendations.

1. In order not to burden the body, you should not eat too late. This can be done no later than 3 hours before going to bed. Otherwise, you cannot avoid the feeling of heaviness, which gives rise to night snoring.
2. It is advisable to lie on your side while sleeping. If you form such a habit, there will be no inconvenience. Snoring almost always goes away in this position.
3. Before you go to bed, be sure to clean your nasal cavity. Hygiene of the nasal cavity and respiratory tract should be carried out constantly. If there is nasal congestion, definitely take measures to eliminate it.
4. Excellent results are obtained by using an orthopedic pillow that supports the neck to reduce the load on the neck muscles. This changes the position of the head, which makes breathing easier.

Today it is important to use a special anti-snoring clip. With its support, you can reduce the power and volume of snoring to a certain extent.

But this is not a healing method. The very reason for the formation of snoring will not disappear anywhere. It is recommended to use this remedy in conjunction with healing procedures.

In cases where medical procedures have not eliminated snoring in a woman or have not minimized it, the use of traditional methods of therapy is allowed. For example, rinsing the nasal cavity with saline or an aqueous solution of sea salt. A similar procedure is performed using a syringe, a syringe without a needle, or simply by retracting alternately with both nostrils. In this case, the water required is undoubtedly boiled, warm, close to body temperature. In addition to cleansing the nasal sinuses and reducing swelling of the mucous membrane, flushing promotes disinfection and eliminates inflammatory processes.

Sea buckthorn oil is a common folk method of combating snoring. Used for instillation into the nose. In combination with other treatment methods, it gives a suitable result. It has a softening effect on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. You can use it continuously as it is harmless and has no restrictions. Approximately 30–40 minutes before bedtime, drop a few drops into each nostril. Before use, it is recommended to carry out hygienic measures to clean the nasal cavity.

The best choice is the combined use of therapeutic procedures and traditional healing methods. In combination they give the desired result.

In a word, if you put in the effort, you can certainly figure out how to get rid of snoring in a woman’s sleep.

Exercises to get rid of snoring

• Stick your tongue out of your mouth
  as far down as possible for a few seconds, then return it to its natural position. Repeat thirty times morning and evening.

• Move your jaw back and forth, pressing your hand on your chin. Repeat thirty times morning and evening.
• Hold a wooden stick (spoon) firmly in your teeth for three minutes. Repeat every evening before bed.

The effect of the exercises occurs within a month if carried out regularly. It should be remembered that when snoring is accompanied by stoppages of breathing, folk remedies and medicines do not bring results. To avoid serious problems, in such situations it is recommended to consult a doctor . In other cases, the treatment of snoring is facilitated by a healthy lifestyle, singing, training the soft tissues of the nasopharynx, and daily intake of vitamins, fiber and healthy proteins.

Complications of snoring in women

The negative consequences of snoring at night significantly reduce a woman’s quality of life. Their performance and sex drive decrease, and they often experience headaches in the morning. A woman wakes up without having fully rested during the night and feels chronic fatigue during the day. Her chronic diseases may worsen.

If a pregnant woman suffers from snoring, her baby is at risk of hypoxia during night sleep due to the mother’s poor breathing. If snoring develops into obstructive apnea syndrome, the risk of heart and vascular pathologies, arterial hypertension, and even death increases.

Prevention of snoring

To increase the effectiveness of snoring treatment, you need to follow the basic rules:

• To refuse from bad habits .
• Deal with the problem of excess weight.
• Have dinner no later than three to four hours before bedtime.
• Maintain a daily routine.
• Raise the head of the bed by seven to ten cm at night.
• For colds and rhinitis, gargle with water (cold), to which a drop of peppermint oil has previously been added.
• Sleep on your side.
• Use orthopedic pillows.

Measures to prevent female snoring

Every person at any age is capable of snoring. If one or many close family members suffer from this pathology, if sleep disordered breathing has occurred at least once, it is necessary to take preventive measures to prevent the formation of this problem. These include:

• weight loss;
• reducing alcohol consumption;
• to give up smoking;
• high placement of the head in sleep;
• correct position at night;
• refusal to use sleeping pills;
• ridding the nasal passages of mucus;
• cold humidified air in the bedroom.

All these points prevent the progression of pathology and help prevent its severe manifestations. You should definitely consult an expert at the first symptoms of snoring during sleep and listen to his recommendations. Timely identification of the cause of the disease and correctly selected therapy are important circumstances in preventing more severe progression of the pathology.

Which doctor treats snoring in women?

Having discovered a pathological phenomenon during sleep, it is important to begin to fight it as quickly as possible. Initially, female snoring, and male snoring too, was treated by otolaryngologists. In modern medicine there are many ways to get rid of an unpleasant phenomenon.

In some cases, surgical intervention is required. Some pathologies can only be eliminated by surgery.

But in recent decades, a new branch of medicine has appeared to the delight of all those suffering from the disease in question. Somnology deals with the study, determination of the causes and treatment of breathing disorders during sleep. Highly specialized specialists can cure even severe snoring in women or men. Somnologists have knowledge in the field of pulmonology, neuralgia, otolaryngology, and psychiatry. And you can get an appointment with such a specialist even in public clinics.

What is snoring?

Snoring is a wheezing sound in the nose and throat during sleep. Snoring is quite common and becomes more common with age. About 57% of men and 40% of women snore. However, the assessment of snoring itself depends on who hears it, with the volume and duration of a person's snoring varying from night to night. Therefore, the percentage of people who snore is only an estimate.

Sometimes the snoring is quiet, but usually the snoring is clearly visible, and sometimes it is so loud that it can be heard in another room. Snoring only disturbs other people, usually your bed or roommate trying to sleep. The person who snores rarely knows that he snores until others tell him about it. However, some people hear their own snoring when they wake up.

Snoring can have serious social consequences. It often causes tension between a snorer and a bed or roommate.

Depending on the cause of snoring, other symptoms may occur, such as frequent awakenings, difficulty breathing or choking during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, and headaches in the morning.

Snoring occurs as a result of fluttering of the soft tissues in the throat, especially the soft palate (the back of the roof of the mouth). The fact that people do not snore when they are awake suggests the cause is muscle relaxation during sleep. This relaxation is thought to reduce tissue stiffness and make fluttering (like a cloth flag fluttering in the wind, as opposed to a metal plate of the same size) more likely to occur. In addition, tissue relaxation constricts the upper airways, which makes fluttering easier.