
4 min learnNew DelhiMar 7, 2026 09:00 PM IST
On his podcast, entrepreneur Raj Shamani requested Dr Manvir Bhatia, senior neurologist and sleep specialist, a easy query: how can one cease loud night breathing? In response, she identified that weight administration performs a significant function, particularly when fats accumulates across the stomach and neck, which will increase the possibilities of airway obstruction.
Increasing on this connection, Dr Prashant Makhija, Marketing consultant Neurologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, explains why loud night breathing is commonly greater than only a noisy inconvenience.
“When physique fats will increase, it doesn’t simply sit across the waist,” says Dr Makhija. “Fats can deposit across the neck and throat as nicely. This narrows the higher airway.”
He explains that in sleep, throat muscle tissues naturally calm down. “If the airway is already tight as a consequence of extra tissue, it vibrates as air passes by, producing the loud night breathing sound,” he says.
Dr Makhija additional notes that stomach fats can worsen the issue. “While you lie down, stomach fats pushes in opposition to the diaphragm. This reduces lung capability and will increase the tendency of the airway to break down.”
Is there a neck dimension or BMI that raises concern?
“There isn’t any single quantity that ensures no loud night breathing,” says Dr Makhija, “however the danger definitely rises when BMI enters the obese or overweight vary.”
He provides that neck circumference generally is a sensible scientific indicator. “In males, a neck dimension above roughly 17 inches, and in ladies above 16 inches, has been related to greater possibilities of obstructive sleep apnea. These are normal markers, not strict cut-offs.”
He emphasises that these measurements are screening instruments. “They assist us determine who would possibly want additional analysis, particularly if in addition they report daytime sleepiness, morning complications, or poor focus.”
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How a lot weight reduction truly helps?
The encouraging information, in accordance with Dr Makhija, is that even modest modifications make a distinction.
“Even a 5–10% discount in physique weight can enhance loud night breathing depth and frequency,” he says. “In some people, modest weight reduction considerably reduces the severity of sleep apnea.”
He provides that weight discount improves airway stability, reduces fats deposition round the throat, and enhances overall lung function.
What else will help management loud night breathing?
Weight administration is just one a part of the answer. “Sleeping in your facet as a substitute of your again can forestall the tongue and smooth tissues from collapsing backward,” Dr Makhija advises. “Avoiding alcohol earlier than bedtime is equally essential, as alcohol relaxes throat muscle tissues additional.”
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He additionally recommends addressing nasal congestion. “Power allergy symptoms or a blocked nostril can worsen loud night breathing. Treating the underlying trigger can present aid.”
For these identified with average to extreme sleep apnea, he highlights the function of medical gadgets. “CPAP remedy stays one of the crucial efficient remedies. It retains the airway open utilizing steady air stress and considerably improves sleep quality and long-term health outcomes.”
Greater than only a noise downside
Dr Makhija cautions in opposition to dismissing loud night breathing as innocent. “Loud night breathing is not only about noise. Persistent loud loud night breathing, particularly when accompanied by choking episodes or daytime fatigue, can sign sleep apnea.”
Untreated sleep apnea, he notes, is linked to hypertension, coronary heart illness, stroke, and diabetes.
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“The excellent news,” he concludes, “is that by addressing weight, enhancing sleep habits, and searching for well timed medical recommendation, most individuals can considerably cut back their loud night breathing and defend their long-term well being.”




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