Many people who sleep next to a snoring partner wonder how they can sleep soundly with such a loud noise. However, research shows that snorers themselves sometimes wake up to their own sounds, but these awakenings last only a split second and are almost unnoticeable, reports IFLScience.
Scientists explain that the human brain is able to adapt to familiar stimuli. If the sound is familiar and not perceived as a threat, it is quickly filtered and does not cause a full awakening.
A 2013 study found that people who snore had more sleep disruptions but fewer micro-arousals when they used noise-blocking devices, such as earplugs. This suggests that the brain actively blocks out signals it deems unimportant. A key role in this process is played by the thalamus, a part of the brain that filters sensory information, much like how people become accustomed to the constant noise of the street outside their window.
Because snoring comes from within the person, the subconscious mind perceives it as a safe and familiar sound. As a result, the brain prioritizes preserving sleep, ignoring its own noises, even if they disturb those around it.
At the same time, doctors warn that snoring may not just be a household problem. If it is accompanied by sleep apnea — brief pauses in breathing — a person may experience dozens of micro-awakenings per night, which significantly worsens the quality of rest and harms health.
To reduce the intensity of snoring, experts recommend changing your sleeping position, such as sleeping on your side or with your head elevated. Sleeping on your back can increase snoring due to the effects of gravity, so any methods that prevent rolling over often have a noticeable effect.
Ignoring the problem can have serious consequences - from chronic fatigue and irritability to an increased risk of hypertension and diabetes. If you have symptoms of apnea, doctors recommend contacting specialists, because modern breathing devices for sleep work quietly and significantly improve your health, allowing the body to fully recover.
