Why is snoring increasing in children?
Children and young adults have stopped playing outside and are leading a more sedentary lifestyle. They have stopped climbing trees, playing games in the yard, shouting, laughing, and singing. Active time with friends has been diluted with computer games, social media, videos, and mobile phones.
Young people are exercising their thumbs over their voices and long conversations are held over chat with #photos and #videos to describe events.
Online gaming is addictive and promotes anti-social tendencies. Kept under control and moderation it can have positive effects on eye-hand coordination and speeds up decision-making in young adults.
So what does this mean to younger snorers?
Believe it or not, the soft tissue that supports our airways also needs to be exercised. Singing, shouting, and laughing, all support the condition of the airway and firm up the tissue. Snoring usually occurs when the soft tissue and tongue relax while we are asleep and partially block the airway. The air moving past this soft tissue vibrates and makes the sound we know as snoring.
Excessive time gaming can leave a young adult socially isolated and coupled with bad nutritional habits can lead to obesity. Carrying excessive weight also affects the soft tissue in the airway and can be blamed for nighttime snoring.
These young adults are also spending a large percentage of their time indoors. We all need vitamin D, especially in countries where there is limited daylight. Vitamin D not only promotes good health but prevents SAD and even if you live in a country with strong sunlight, a vitamin D deficiency can still occur.
What can we do to prevent our youth from a long-term snoring disorder?
Get outside and play – Laughter, fun, and friends with yard games are the building blocks for a memorable childhood.
Join a team – Team sports not only promote exercise but are good for social interaction.
Sing – Join a band, drama school, or choir. Using your voice will firm up the soft tissue in the airway.
Eat and sleep well – If you are good to your body it will be good for you. Good nutrition will keep you healthy and good sleep will help your body repair.
Getting enough sunlight – will help lift your mood, which will strengthen your motivation to exercise and eat healthy food.
Find a balance – you can do it all?
If you have reached adulthood and you snore it is better to address this sleeping disorder sooner rather than later. Snoring left unaddressed can lead to more serious health issues and even develop into Sleep Apnea.