Annoying, yes, but if your partner’s snoring is getting worse over time, you should take notice.

There are many people who find it difficult to sleep, and if your partner snores, it can be even more difficult to get to sleep.

In most cases, the snoring will not be a problem, but there are times when it can indicate an underlying medical concern.

It’s usually caused by things like your tongue, mouth, throat, or airways in your nose vibrating when you breathe.

This occurs when various areas of your body relax and narrow while you sleep, according to specialists.

There are several reasons why your partner could snore, so it’s important to address them first.

It’s possible that they’re overweight, smoke, consume excessive amounts of alcohol, or sleep on their backs.

Dr. Raj Dasgupta, an associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, said there are seven factors to be aware of when it comes to your partner’s snoring.

You can give your companion a one-point score for each of the difficulties listed below.

If they exhibit five to seven of these symptoms, you should see your doctor.

Sound

While it may seem apparent, Dr. Dasgupta believes that one of the most telling symptoms that your partner’s snoring needs to be addressed is if it can be heard through a closed door from the other room.

“Some of the very descriptive bed partners of my patients with obstructive sleep apnea describe their partners’ snores as listening to a ‘dying bear’ or a scene from ‘Jurassic Park'”, he told CNN.

Fatigue

People who suffer from sleep apnea are frequently weary throughout the day.

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which your breathing stops and starts repeatedly while you’re sleeping.

The most common symptoms are tiredness, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings.

If you’re falling asleep during your lunch break or at any other moment when you’re comfortable, such as while watching television, you should visit a doctor.

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that should be treated promptly.

Hypertension

Shortness of breath is a common symptom of high blood pressure.

Due to the stress exerted on the body, people with obstructive sleep apnea frequently have high blood pressure.

When you stop breathing while sleeping, your nervous system reacts by raising your blood pressure and releasing stress hormones, both of which will elevate your blood pressure over time.

Overweight

Snoring is common among overweight persons, according to doctors.

They suggest that if a person’s snoring is growing worse, they lose weight.

Weight can put extra pressure on the tongue and neck of people who have sleep apnea, which can make it hard for them to fall asleep at night.

This makes it more difficult to breathe normally without snoring like a lion.

Age

Studies have revealed that muscular tone deteriorates with age, and specialists believe that being over 50 could be a warning sign for snoring.

Some studies do however show that sleep apnea cases are milder in the elderly.

Size of Neck

People who have a bigger neck circumference are more likely to have sleep apnea, says Dr. Dasgupta. He says there is a general rule of thumb for figuring out how much of a risk your partner has.

“The rule of thumb is always going to be a collar size of greater than 17 inches (43cms) for a male, and greater than 16 inches (40.6cms) for a female will put you at a higher risk for sleep apnea”, he said.

Gender

According to experts, your gender at birth may influence whether or not you develop sleep apnea.

Men, according to Dr. Dasgupta, are more at risk since they have more upper body fat than women.

He did warn, though, that women are equally at danger after menopause.

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