Although snoring is generally associated with men, it can occur to anyone, irrespective of sex or gender. Therefore, snoring in women is also common, and there are a few factors that can lead to this phenomenon. So, what causes snoring in females?
Female sex hormones, in general, can increase the risk of snoring among people. In short, gender plays a significant role in the occurrence of this nighttime symptom. In this blog, we will discuss what causes snoring in females and what to do about it.
Causes of Snoring in Females
Pregnancy and menopause could be responsible for snoring in females. Other than this, nasal congestion, obesity, hypothyroidism, and other factors make a person snore as well.
Here are a few reasons why women snore:
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a possible cause of snoring in women. It is possible that the weight gain during pregnancy expands the blood vessels in one’s nasal cavity, which results in snoring. As the pregnancy develops, snoring tends to become worse, especially around the third trimester. Therefore, pregnancy is one of the most common causes of snoring in females. After giving birth, a rapid reduction in snoring might occur.
Menopause
Another reason why women snore is menopause. Due to the decrease in estrogen and progesterone, it is possible that a person experiences snoring during and after menopause. In addition, many females gain weight after menopause, which increases the likelihood of obesity and leads to breathing changes during sleep.
Obesity
Being overweight or obese is among the common causes of snoring in females. This is because gaining excess weight can develop extra tissue in the throat, neck, and tongue, which increases the possibility of the airway collapsing while you sleep. Furthermore, obesity can interfere with the performance of muscles involved in breathing by decreasing the volume of the affected person’s lungs.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a possible reason behind snoring in people, including females. In this condition, the affected individual’s breathing passages narrow due to insufficient production of thyroid hormones. Consequently, the function of most organs suffers. Since hypothyroidism is frequent among women, it may be why females snore.
.Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that results from narrowed airways, which has an impact on breathing during sleep. Among other symptoms, snoring is a primary indication of OSA. While it was assumed that most men are affected by this disorder, recent research has implied that women also fall victim to it. Hence, the majority of females have undiagnosed sleep apnea. In simple words, sleep apnea is among the top causes of snoring in females.
How to Stop Snoring in Women?
First, you should visit the concerned doctor for a diagnosis if you are snoring— it may be due to an underlying condition. Plus, you can receive anti-snore therapy to improve your condition, given that you are eligible. In the meantime, here are some tips to eliminate snoring in females:
- Refrain from smoking, alcohol consumption, and sedatives
- Receive treatment for nasal congestion
- Do not sleep on your back
- Work to reduce obesity or excess weight
- Try exercises involving the mouth and the throat
- Opt for a nasal dilator
- Consult a doctor for an oral appliance such as a snoring mouthpiece
- Go for a Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) Device
Takeaway
To wrap it all up, there are multiple causes of snoring in females, which include sleep apnea, obesity, pregnancy, and more. However, a credible doctor can help. Dial (281) 837-9090 to talk to our specialist at Dynamic Dental Solutions. Or, simply, give us a visit at 1410 Cedar Bayou Rd, Baytown, TX 77520.