Snoring and teeth grinding in bed is a common problem that affects millions of people every year and is often just accepted as part of life, but did you know that snoring and teeth grinding in bed can cause serious health problems?
If you're one of those people, there are several ways to prevent or reduce instances of snoring and teeth grinding while you are asleep.
In this article, we'll look at the causes of snoring and teeth grinding, how to prevent them, and what you can do about it if you are experiencing one or both of these problems.
Causes of teeth grinding and snoring in bed
The causes of both teeth grinding and snoring may be different. Snoring can be caused by blocked nasal passages, but teeth grinding can be caused by several factors, including stress or anxiety, alcohol consumption, poor sleep habits, and even genetics.
There are also medical conditions that can cause either one or both problems: sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), and bruxism (a condition where you grind your teeth during sleep).
Health consequences of teeth grinding and snoring in bed
Snoring can be annoying for both the snorer and their partner or roommates, but it can also lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Snorers have an increased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease; they're also more likely to die earlier than non-snorers. Teeth grinding can lead to tooth wear (which will eventually need repair), and jaw pain from muscle tension during sleep.
It is common that teeth grinders to experience headaches when they wake, due to jaw pain during sleep. They may even have upper back problems, as your jaw and back muscles are directly connected, and become tense and stiff from the repetitive strain of jaw movement.
You're not alone
Thousands of Britons snore, the most severely affected suffer from a condition called sleep apnea, which causes them to stop breathing while they sleep. This can have serious health consequences, including heart attack and stroke.
The most common symptoms of sleep apnea are snoring and teeth grinding in bed. Snoring is caused by your airway collapsing during sleep, making it difficult for you to breathe normally. Teeth grinding is caused by increased pressure on your jaw joint during sleep, which can cause pain and discomfort in your mouth.
However, do not lose hope! There are things you can do to reduce snoring and teeth grinding in bed: try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees, or getting an
adjustable bed that provides proper support for both head and neck positions.
How to Prevent Snoring and Teeth Grinding in Bed
There are ways to prevent snoring and teeth grinding in bed that can help keep your health intact and your sleep uninterrupted. Here are some simple yet proven ways to prevent snoring and tooth grinding during the night.
● Try to maintain a consistent sleeping schedule
● Avoid eating heavy meals before going to bed
● Don't drink alcohol before going to bed
● Get enough exercise during the day to reduce stress levels
● Keep your mouth closed while sleeping
● Use a special pillow to keep your head from moving back and forth
● Use a special pillow to keep your jaw from dropping open
● Get a professional evaluation from an ear, nose and throat doctor
Your bed may be the problem
Laying flat on your back may not be the best sleeping position for you, as gravity is working against you. Adjustable beds are a great way to help reduce snoring and teeth grinding in bed as they allow you to sleep upright, allowing gravity to work in your favour.
Snoring is commonly caused by the throat muscles relaxing and allowing the soft tissue to come into contact with the airway. Adjustable beds allow you to lift up your head and align it with your spine, which reduces the chances of snoring.
Teeth grinding is also caused by a lack of proper alignment between the jaw and neck muscles, which causes excessive pressure on the teeth and gums. A good quality adjustable bed frame will allow you to align your head, neck, and shoulders in a more comfortable position, which reduces the chance of teeth grinding during sleep.
Don’t let poor sleep lead to poor health
Overall, there are a number of different things you can try to prevent your snoring and teeth grinding at night, and some methods may work for some and not others.
The key here is to try as much as you can at home and speak to your doctor. Snoring and teeth grinding are symptoms of underlying problems and become causes of others. A good bed that you can adjust goes a long way to reducing snoring and reducing food intake before bed and getting plenty of exercises alleviates stress on the body and helps with teeth grinding.
Whichever you try and whatever works for you will help you lead a happier and healthier life as you getts a better night's sleep, and have more energy to live life to the fullest.
