Feeling tired, weak and easily irritated? You may be one of 90 million Americans suffering from the effects of snoring. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 37 million sleepers exhibit health challenges due to snoring on a regular basis. More common in men, snoring and sleep apnea can cause various health challenges from morning headaches, sexual dysfunction and even heart failure.
Men who snore face some serious health concerns, and if you are a man over the age of 40, it is essential to pay attention to what your body is telling you. Men who snore face these health challenges:
Snoring may lead to an earlier death
Snoring and sleep-related disorders, such as sleep apnea, may be a contributor to an earlier death in men, especially men over the age of 40. As you age, the muscles around your neck naturally relax more during sleep, thus leading to snoring. It is true, the aging process plays a role in our body; however, snoring and sleep apnea have been found to occur in men with minor to severe diseases. A study published in the Public Library of Science (2009) stated, “Severe sleep apnea raises the risk of dying early by 46 percent. The risks are most obvious in men aged 40 to 70. Men aged 40 to 70 with severe sleep-disordered breathing were twice as likely to die from any cause as healthy men the same age.” If you are snoring or experiencing any sleep disorders, it is essential to see your doc.
Snoring may cause serious cardiovascular problems
The main cause for airway obstruction during your period of sleep is when your throat muscles relax. Obstruction of your airway can be partial or complete, which can lead to snoring and those restless nights of waking up from a lack of air to your lungs. These moments of poor sleep and snoring may be lead to serious cardiovascular medical issues. Research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2015) noted, “These episodes of obstruction, hypoxia, and arousal lead to the development and progression of a number of cardiovascular disorders, including systemic hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia and infarction, and HF.” The research also discussed heart failure (HF) as one of the most severe health challenges associated with snoring.
Morning headaches brought about by snoring
If you are waking up with headaches and you have no clue why or how, then you may want to zero in on snoring as one of your main suspects. Research conducted by Dr. Francomichele Puca, and colleagues, of the University of Bari, Italy, and published in a paper, “Headache and Sleep: Clinical and Therapeutical Aspects” (2004) states, “Sleep disorders and headache are frequently comorbid. Anatomical, biochemical and physiologic common features and pathways could explain the bidirectional influence between sleep disorders and headache.” The association between morning headaches and snoring is related to the lack of oxygen caused by the moments of partial or complete airway obstruction during your sleep. It is essential to look at the underlying factors of your headache and treat your snoring before popping pills to treat your chronic morning headache.
Snoring may lead to sexual dysfunction
Yep, you read the heading correctly. Snoring associated with mild to severe sleep disorders may lead to sexual dysfunction in males. Sexual function may decrease with age; however, sexual function is much lower in men who snore. A study in The Journal of Sexual Medicine (2008) found, “An association between snoring severity and reduced sexual satisfaction in a population of elderly community males.” There are plenty of reasons to put your snoring back in check and see your doctor, but this may have a bit of added benefit for men experiencing snoring and sexual dysfunction.
Snoring and sleep disorders, and the health challenges and risks men face, can be severe. If your partner or even your neighbors are commenting on your loud gasping, grunting and snoring, then you are past due for a checkup with your doctor. Snoring is more prevalent in men who drink, take sedatives, are overweight, smoke and/or sleep on their backs. A few healthy lifestyle changes may assist you in overcoming snoring and common sleep disorders, which may in turn prevent other serious health problems. See your doctor and take a look at your health and wellness.
—The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2722083
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4391015
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3792392
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3451585
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2580746
