Sweet dreams are made of this

AN extensive global study indicates that a significant proportion of the adult population in the Middle East suffers from breathing problems especially while sleeping, negatively affecting their ability to get a deep and restful sleep.

Health care giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has identified several reasons behind this condition, in particular nasal congestion and deviated septum.

Nasal congestion causes reduced or blocked airflow, which leads to breathing through the mouth and often results in disrupted sleep and snoring.

Deviated septum on the other hand, is a common physical disorder involving the displacement of the nasal septum often leading to difficulties breathing through the nose. Both conditions often lead to un-restful sleep and cause snoring.

Recent consumer research conducted by GSK in the Gulf reveals that sleep quality is significantly related to breathing where 34 per cent of respondents reported experiencing breathing problems during sleep.

Additionally, 24 per cent of respondents reported suffering from snoring and 12 per cent said they suffer from having a bed partner who snores and disturbs their sleep.

The study also found that men are more likely to experience breathing difficulties, snoring, and nasal congestion while women are more likely to be affected by a partner's snoring.

Interrupted sleep results in negative effects on people's mood and behaviour including stress, depression, anger, agitation, sadness and anxiety.

GSK released its tips to improve night-time breathing for a deep and restful sleep:

Keep in shape and exercise regularly. This improves breathing and releases stress accumulated during the day, allowing you to have a good night of restful sleep.

Do not smoke. Smoking results in irritation and inflammation of airways, If you can't quit, resist the temptation of smoking in the evening.

Avoid sleeping on your back. Often this results in your jaw opening and your tongue falling back blocking your airway. People who sleep on their back tend to snore more.

If you suffer from a deviated septum or other physiological problems, consider seeing a health specialist to seek treatment.

The key to a good night's sleep is healthy breathing.

Due to the importance of sleep and its effect on everyone's life, GSK recommends monitoring of breathing behaviour during sleep time, and arranging a consultation with a specialist doctor if needed.

Readers: Do you have a cure for snoring? Email editor@gulfweekly.com