Poor sleep causes us to spend more time in deep stages, where snoring is usually more intense, adds Cofré. When snoring affects the partner Throughout the year, many couples manage to mitigate the problem with different work routines or fragmented rest. Travel is usually associated with rest, but for many people, vacations come with fragmented nights, complaints from the partner, accumulated fatigue, and in that scenario, snoring appears or intensifies and stops being a minor nuisance to become a real problem of coexistence and health. “Travel brings together several factors that inflame the respiratory tract and favor snoring, even in people who do not usually snore,” warns Dr. During vacations, this “background noise” becomes impossible to ignore. “Snoring not only affects the person who suffers from it: it causes irritability, arguments, and significant emotional wear and tear on the couple,” explains the doctor. Poor sleep sustainedly alters mood, tolerance, and concentration. “Many people consult after the summer, when the problem was exposed by continuous cohabitation,” affirms Cofré. Although it is often normalized, persistent snoring should not be minimized because, in some cases, it can be the initial manifestation of obstructive sleep apnea, a disorder in which breathing is interrupted repeatedly during the night. “When snoring is accompanied by breathing pauses, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, or extreme fatigue, it is essential to evaluate it,” warns Cofré. Sleep apnea is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, metabolic problems, and cognitive decline. What to do to reduce snoring while traveling Although there is no single solution, there are simple measures that can make a difference, especially during vacations: Stay well-hydrated, especially after long flights Avoid alcohol in the hours before rest Eat a light dinner at least two hours before sleeping Sleep on your side, a position that reduces the collapse of the airway Respect sleep schedules as regularly as possible When to see a doctor “Snoring has multiple causes, and addressing it on time improves not only rest but also the quality of life and relationships,” summarizes Cofré, and if it is frequent, intense, or accompanied by other symptoms, medical consultation is key. “Detecting the origin of the problem allows for effective and personalized treatments to be indicated,” concludes the specialist. Sleeping well is also part of the rest, and understanding why the body reacts differently when we travel can be the first step so that vacations do not end with dark circles under the eyes or arguments.
