Muscle atrophy is the medical term for the breakdown or shrinking of muscle tissue. In the context of snoring, muscle atrophy refers to the breakdown of the muscles in the throat area.
The vibrations created by snoring damage nerves in the throat. This nerve damage can cause the muscles in the throat to weaken and lose mass. However, because these muscles are important for keeping the throat open during sleep, their weakening can lead to an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), in which the throat collapses and causes repeated pauses in breathing.
Therapy
Depending on the severity, a possible effective solution is the manufacture of an (anti)-snoring splint.
