Loud snoring might be more than an aggravation for the person who's trying to sleep nearby. It could be a symptom of sleep apnea, a potentially serious disorder that also leaves a person drowsy during the day. Untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, heart failure and type 2 diabetes. It also may contribute to an irregular heartbeat. Paying attention to your diet might help sleep apnea, since being overweight often contributes to the condition.
About Sleep Apnea
The most common type of the disorder is obstructive sleep apnea. Muscles at the back of your throat relax, thereby narrowing your airway and stopping your breathing briefly, perhaps more than 30 times an hour. You might not realize that this wakes you up momentarily, but it keeps your from getting the deep sleep you need. Besides loud snoring, symptoms may include dry mouth, sore throat or headache in the morning. Central sleep apnea, another type, is caused by a problem with your brain's signal to your respiratory system. It may make you wake up abruptly, feeling out of breath.
Apnea Risk Factors
Thin people---and even children---can develop sleep apnea. However, a fattening diet can contribute to the problem, because fat deposits in the throat might obstruct breathing. Besides being overweight or obese, other risk factors for apnea include having a thick neck, high blood pressure or a sedentary job. Apnea, which can run in families, is more common among men and in people older than 65. Smoking is a risk factor, as is using alcohol, sedatives or tranquilizers. Heart trouble is an additional risk factor for central sleep apnea.
Diagnosis and Treatment
To pin down a diagnosis of sleep apnea, your doctor will want to have your sleep monitored, either by examining you in a sleep disorder clinic or by using a portable monitoring device at home. If your sleep apnea is mild, simple remedies may include avoiding alcohol and sleeping medication, losing weight, using nasal sprays and breathing strips, and avoiding sleeping on your back. The preferred treatment for moderate to severe cases is the CPAP device, which stands for continuous positive airway pressure. It keeps your airway open by delivering air pressure through a mask over your nose. Dental devices or surgery may be advised in other cases.
Diet and Weight Loss
If you are overweight and suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, it's worth trying to lose weight to see if that improves your nightly sleep and your alertness during the day. Most people experience fewer incidents of sleep apnea with just a 10 percent weight loss. You can take off pounds gradually by cutting back on foods and drinks that are high in fat and sugar. Eat more fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and reduced-fat dairy products, and help your diet along by exercising more to burn off calories.
