Snoring is common in Swiss beds: According to statistics, a good third of the population is affected by nocturnal cuts – and indirectly a large number of partners. It is generally harmless, that is, when speaking of normal, so-called snoring. It is triggered when the upper airways are partially narrowed due to relaxed throat muscles. This causes the air in the throat to vibrate, which is then expressed in well-known snoring sounds.
But snoring should not be taken lightly: In the case of undetected sleep apnea, there can also be far-reaching health consequences. Our accuracy check shows you what snoring is, what you can do about it, and other things you need to know about snoring.
1. Snoring only happens when lying on your back
Not true. Louder snoring sounds may occur in the supine position. But it can also occur when you sleep on your side or face down.
2. Men snore more often
Yes, but only at a young age. With age, these gender differences equalize. Women’s menopause is to blame. These help lower estrogen and serotonin levels. Among other things, serotonin is responsible for maintaining muscle tension. If this is reduced, this means that the airways are looser at night and can collapse more easily.
3. Snoring is innate
no. Someone’s snoring has to do with their anatomy, especially the curvature of the nasal septum, a large tongue, or a small lower jaw. However, various external factors such as fatigue, obesity or excessive consumption of alcohol at dinner can also cause it.
4. Snoring makes you sick
This is partly true—that is, the cessation of breathing during snoring, which can last up to half a minute. This could be sleep apnea. If this is not diagnosed or treated, it can lead to serious complications in the cardiovascular system, high blood pressure and an increased risk of diabetes, dementia or stroke. That’s why experts recommend analyzing your sleep to find out if you’re affected by sleep apnea. This can be done from the comfort of your home with the Sleepiz analyzer (see box and instructions below).
5. Snoring is as loud as a chainsaw
It doesn’t sound very likely, but it could actually happen. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the loudest snoring ever measured is 111 decibels. That’s as loud as club music, rock concerts, or a chainsaw. For comparison: Most snorers reach 21 decibels, which corresponds to the rustling of leaves. However, loud snoring is not harmless: from 85 decibels, a doctor should be consulted. Then it is more likely that obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is also present.
6. Snoring can be taught
This is true. Targeted training of the throat and palate muscles can help alleviate snoring. Playing a wind instrument is also helpful. According to a study by the University of Zurich, didgeridoo is particularly suitable because it helps to train the upper airway muscles. The same goes for singing: British scientists from the Royal Exeter Hospital have found that singing every day can reduce the severity, frequency and volume of snoring.
7. Snoring may be prohibited by law
It’s an absurd claim – but in the land of endless possibilities, there’s a ban on cutting at night. Specifically, in the US state of Massachusetts, snoring with open windows and doors is prohibited by law.
8. Only obese, older men get sleep apnea
Not true. While the prevalence of this demographic is high, the condition also affects young men and women. The predispositions are a large neck circumference, narrow areas in the nose and throat area, relatives with sleep apnea syndrome, regular consumption of alcohol in the evening and smoking. According to the Swiss Sleep Research Society, 800,000 people in this country are likely to be affected by sleep apnea – that’s almost a tenth of the entire population. About 80 percent of these remain undiagnosed. But this is exactly what makes this disease dangerous because of its possible consequences, therefore, the analysis of your own sleep is indicated. It is possible with the practical system of Sleepiz.
How does the Sleepiz system work?
- Device order: Click the button below to get the device you want by mail.
- Sleep on screen: Put the device on the nightstand and turn it on before going to bed. Repeat this for the next two nights.
- Data transfer: Measurement data is automatically and securely transmitted to your treating doctor via the cloud.
- Return the device: After three nights of measurement, you return the device to Sleepiz.
- Get report: You will then receive a detailed report of your results, which you can now discuss with your family doctor.