Fact 12: The Rhythms of Snoring: Circadian Influence on Snoring Patterns
You’ve probably heard of circadian rhythms affecting sleep patterns, but have you ever wondered if they affect snoring? It’s not a question many people ask, but perhaps they should, as our internal clocks are intrinsically linked with many physiological functions, including the mystery of snoring.
During the earlier phases of sleep, you’re more likely to experience light snoring. In the latter stages, notably REM sleep, the snoring can intensify. The muscle atonia (relaxation of muscles) that occurs during this stage creates a laxity in the throat, which can result in heavier snoring.
But what happens when your internal clock is off? Let’s say you’re a shift worker or a frequent traveler dealing with jet lag. The disturbance to your natural sleep cycle can exacerbate snoring episodes. This is because your body doesn’t get to go through its normal circadian phases, which affects the quality of sleep and how loudly you snore. (12)
