Effects of snoring and the waking process
While sleeping, light sounds around us can sometimes disrupt our sleep. We may wake up immediately when we hear someone calling our name or a sudden loud noise, but people who snore are often not aware of their own voice.
This is because of our brain's ability to recognize and prioritize sounds. Even during sleep, the ears keep listening to the surrounding sounds and these signals reach the brain. However, the brain does not respond to every sound the same way. He decides which voices are important and which can be ignored.
role of thalamus
The thalamus of the brain plays an important role in organizing various sensory information. The response to external sounds reduces during sleep, but it does not disappear completely. Sudden loud noises can activate the brain and cause sleep disturbances.
Your snoring is a familiar sound, so the brain does not see it as a signal of any new danger. That is why, the response to these is less as compared to external sounds.
snoring production
Snoring is usually caused by vibrations in the tissues of the upper respiratory tract during sleep. During sleep, the throat muscles become loose, which can cause the windpipe to narrow. When air passes through this narrow passage, the soft tissues vibrate, producing the sound of snoring. The intensity of snoring may vary from person to person.
Does a snoring person stay awake?
It is not necessary that a person who snores sleeps the whole night without any interruption. Loud snoring or difficulty breathing can cause small disruptions in sleep, called micro-arousals. Sometimes a person wakes up for a few moments and then goes back to sleep, but does not remember these events in the morning.
When can snoring become a cause for concern?
Not every type of snoring is a sign of disease. But if snoring is accompanied by problems like breathing pauses, frequent sleep disturbances, morning headaches, excessive sleepiness or fatigue throughout the day, then it may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea. In such a situation, it is important to consult a doctor and get a sleep study done if necessary.