What Are the Causes of Snoring?
Snorers are often made to feel guilty; however the causes of snoring are often beyond their control.
Certain factors increase the chances of being a snorer:-
- Physiology – The shape of the airway in some people makes snoring more likely.
- Being Overweight – Excess body fat increases the chances of snoring.
- Age – As we age weaker throat muscles increase snoring.
- Lifestyle – Some people snore after drinking alcohol or taking sleeping tablets due to the extra relaxation caused in the neck and throat.
Do men snore more than women?
Yes (55% vs 45% VAR international 2005)
Men carry excess body fat on the upper body resulting in higher levels of snoring. Also, in younger women hormones prevent the collapse of the airway during sleep.
In the long term diet and a change in lifestyle can have an affect on snoring.
What Are the Effects of Snoring?
Snoring is more than just a loud noise. It leads to broken sleep for snorers and their partner. This can have a profound impact on their quality of life as it can be embarrassing and create marriage problems. Research has shown that 60% of patients who snore have less sex and in 80% of cases they sleep in separate rooms.
In addition snoring has been associated with medical complications and if left untreated the potential for developing obstructive sleep apnoea.
Studies have shown that the lack of sleep caused by snoring has wide reaching effects such as :
- daytime sleepiness
- a lack of energy
- poor motivation
- accidents related to driving while tired
- higher stress levels due to fatigue
- less effectiveness at work effecting remuneration and career progression
- reduced sex drive
