Fact 5: Snoring and Altitude: Breathing High and Loud
Picture this: You’re on a dream vacation in the mountains, surrounded by crisp air and stunning vistas. But wait, what’s that sound? Could it be? Yes, it’s snoring echoing in the cabin, and it’s louder than ever. Believe it or not, the altitude might be amplifying your nighttime symphony.
You see, higher altitudes have lower levels of oxygen. Your body needs to work harder to take in the same amount of oxygen it’s used to, so breathing becomes more laborious. This might lead to increased turbulence in your airflow, shaking up the soft tissues in your throat. Presto, louder snoring.
But that’s not all. The reduced air pressure at higher elevations can make your airway more collapsible. This means it’s more likely for your airway to partially close up, setting the stage for snoring or worsening it if you already do.
You might find this surprising: Athletes who train in higher altitudes can also be prone to this phenomenon. Sure, they’re in peak physical condition, but the altitude doesn’t discriminate. When the snoring kicks in, even the fittest among us aren’t immune.(5)
