Snoring is not only loud–it could trigger a domino-effect of health and emotional issues if left untreated. What might start with daytime yawning could turn into life-threatening health issues. That’s why snorers should explore some of the many ways to stop snoring before they reach that point.
Below are 5 specific potential side-effects from snoring.
1. Life-Threatening Health Issues
Research links snoring to stroke, heart disease and obesity, as well as sleep apnea, condition in which a snorer stops breathing for 10 seconds and up to a few minutes. If this is you or a loved one, talk to your doctor to explore remedies.
2. Depression and Irritability
Not only is snoring bad for your physical being, it can also be a burden on your mental health. Over time, snorers are more likely to become irritable as well as to suffer from mild depression and anxiety, according to research from the National Institutes of Health. Who isn’t cranky running on a sleep deficit? Loss of sleep can also lead to chronic headaches.
3. Spousal/Partner Problems
Whether you share a room with your spouse or partner or not, snoring can lead to relationship problems. One study indicates that men who snore are far more likely to report low levels of sexual satisfaction. This might be due to a snorer sleeping in a different room from a spouse or partner, or it could be due to snoring-related headaches or fatigue. No matter the root of the problem, it’s clear that snoring in general is bad for relationships.
And it’s not just men who snore. Take a look at the infographic below to learn more about snoring statistics and just how widespread of a health issue snoring can be:
4. Regular Headaches
As noted above, snoring can also lead to regular headaches. Headaches can make it more difficult to be productive during the day and to enjoy life’s simple pleasures, such as spending time with family and friends.
But for snorers, headaches can be a vicious, never-ending cycle: When you suffer from headaches, you have a hard time going to sleep. When you have a hard time going to sleep, you often wake up drowsy and tired. Going through your day drowsy and tired can then perpetuate your headaches.
5. Low Energy and Fatigue
Perhaps the most obvious effect of snoring is low energy and fatigue. Snoring makes it far more difficult to stay asleep for long periods of time, and snoring is even related to a condition called “nocturia” that makes the snorer get up more often to use the restroom.
Similar to headaches, fatigue can seriously detract from quality of life. It’s hard to do your best at work or be your best with friends and family when you’re tired all the time. Plus, constant fatigue can lead to other issues — like chronic headaches.
6. Your Snoring Solution is Out There
Snoring can be frustrating and it can even make you feel hopeless once you’re aware of how it’s negatively affecting your life. The good news, however, is that you’re not alone! Snoring is so widespread today that there are plenty of possible solutions. Talk to your doctor and start looking at one of the many ways to alleviate snoring available.
— Jose Perez from Sleepyhood.com, a site that specializes in helping people get a good night’s sleep.
