Snoring may seem normal to some and an embarrassment to a few, especially if it disturbs the sleep of others. However, no matter how it is viewed, medical experts say it is a condition that should not be ignored as it might be a sign of erectile dysfunction.
They noted that though nearly everyone snores subtly once in a while, however, the deep guttural or loudly disruptive type should be a cause for concern, warning that it should not be taken for granted as it requires immediate visits to the physicians.
They noted that people who snore loudly are prone to sleep apnea, a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts, reiterating that such conditions may advance to male impotency when not properly examined and treated.
According to an online medical portal, Mayo Clinic, snoring is the hoarse or harsh sound that occurs when airflows pass relaxed tissues in the throat, causing the tissues to vibrate as you breathe.
It noted that it may also indicate a serious health condition that the risk factors include age and obesity, and that it is more common in men.
Mayo Clinic stated, “Snoring can be caused by several factors, such as the anatomy of one’s mouth and sinuses, alcohol consumption, allergies, a cold, and weight.
“When you doze off and progress from a light sleep to a deep sleep, the muscles in the roof of your mouth (soft palate), tongue and throat relax. The tissues in your throat can relax enough that they partially block your airway and vibrate.
“The more narrowed your airway, the more forceful the airflow becomes. This increases tissue vibration, which causes your snoring to grow louder.
“Habitual snoring may be more than just a nuisance. The snorer might be at a greater risk of high blood pressure, heart conditions and stroke.”
The health and well-being website advised snorers to seek medical intervention when it becomes loud enough to disrupt other people’s sleep as this may indicate an association with obstructive sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction.
Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise in different interviews, the experts said male deep snorers should always seek help when they notice that it has become deep and cease for a few seconds before it starts again.
A Consultant Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara State, Dr Olanrewaju Idris, said snoring should not be taken for granted, insisting that the condition when not properly studied and treated may cause impotence in men.
He also noted that snoring could lead to social problems, like causing marital or relationship crises.
Idris added, “Even if one is dating a lady or a man and in the process before one gets married, realises that the person snores deeply, that alone could affect the relationship.
“Snoring is abnormal because either awake or at sleep, individual breathing should not be associated with any sound or noise. People who snore shouldn’t take it for granted.”
Speaking on High Blood Pressure and erectile dysfunction, a Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine with the University of Abuja, Augustine Odili, said elevated blood pressure is responsible for erectile dysfunction in men.