2. Relaxed Throat Muscles: The Slackened Strings of a Noisy Guitar
Our throat muscles are like an orchestra, playing in perfect harmony when all is well. However, when these muscles decide to take a break and relax, it’s like an out-of-tune instrument, creating a ruckus that no one asked for.
The realm of deep sleep is where our body truly rests and rejuvenates. But it’s also where our muscles enter a profound state of relaxation. This includes the throat muscles.
As these muscles slacken, the throat’s diameter reduces, creating a smaller channel for the incoming rush of air. The result? A concert of snores that might not be music to the ears of the person next to you.
Many turn to a nightcap for its relaxing properties, imagining a peaceful night’s sleep. However, alcohol’s muscle-relaxing properties can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it can help usher in sleep, but on the other, it can also slacken the throat muscles to a point where they create a symphony of snores.
Growing older comes with its own set of challenges. As we age, muscle tone throughout our body, including the throat, naturally reduces. This gradual loss in tone means that even without external influences, our throat is more likely to vibrate, leading to snoring. It’s a natural process, but one that can be loud.
Pills can be lifesavers, but some also bring along the side effect of muscle relaxation. Medications, especially antihistamines or those prescribed for anxiety, can inadvertently contribute to the snoring chorus by slackening the throat’s muscles beyond their usual resting state. (2)
