Snoring a Problem? Try Losing Weight…

One of the most common factors that contribute to a person who snores is their weight. Typically, people who are obese have the most problems with respiratory symptoms during sleep. Even what seemingly may seem a small weight issue of 10-15 extra pounds may cause snoring. Although there are other factors that may contribute to snoring, if you’re overweight, weight reduction should be one of your chief goals.

To understand why, you must understand what physically causes snoring. During sleep, the throat relaxes and the tongue falls into the airway in the back of the throat causing a vibration in the soft tissue. Fatty tissue, chin folds and a very large neck, common in those that are overweight, are physical characteristics that can contribute to the snoring sound. Being overweight is linked to difficulties with snoring, regardless of any age. Weight reduction should be one of the chief goals of any overweight person who snores, because typically even the loss of a few pounds can reduce snoring.

However, there is no one solution to weight loss and management. There are vast differences in the human metabolism just as there are differences in anatomy. Weight loss programs are most successful when they combine a lower caloric intake with an exercise program. Since snoring can cause daytime fatigue, it’s often difficult at first for a snorer to get the energy up to start an exercise routine. With consistent effort, however, exercising can actually increase a person’s energy level throughout the day.

It is very important when beginning an exercise program, to start carefully and slowly at first because it is common for people to overdo it at first and become discouraged, or worse injured. It’s also important to get a green light from your physician first — he or she can start you on a program that is right for you.

You may find that you need to experiment with different approaches to dieting to discover what works best for you, since everyone’s metabolism is unique. Whichever approach you choose, commit to the long term for weight normalization, not just loss. The reason that most diets fail is that many dieters try to “force” weight off the body in an unhealthy or unnatural way. In other words, they focus on dropping pounds or losing weight rapidly, as opposed to normalizing their weight in a more natural way over a longer period of time. Sustaining a normal, healthy weight takes patience and a commitment to eating healthy and exercising regularly.

Weight loss reduces snoring in many people, sometimes stopping it completely. It also improves sleep and significantly reduces daytime sleepiness, allowing for a more productive waking day as well. To find out if your weight is a factor in your snoring, schedule an appointment today with the Manhattan Snoring and Sleep Center for an evaluation.