Everyone snores sometimes, right? Your significant other may be sawing logs next to you, keeping you awake, but is it just snoring … or something else? If you can’t sleep anyway because someone is sleeping very loudly, consider these facts from the American Academy of Otolaryngology.
BY THE NUMBERS
- 45 percent of normal adults snore occasionally.
- 25 percent are habitual snorers.
- Problem snoring is more frequent in males.
- Snoring is more frequent in individuals who are overweight.
- Snoring usually worsens with age.
Snoring occurs when there is an obstruction in the free flow of air through the passages at the back of the mouth and nose. Snoring can also disturb sleep patterns and result in inadequate rest.
TALK TO YOUR PHYSICIAN ABOUT SNORING
Whether it is a minor nuisance to your sleep partner or it is limiting the amount of rest you get, talk to your doctor about concerns and possible solutions for your snoring. Snoring could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which can lead to serious, long-term health problems. Additionally, in children, snoring may be a sign of problems with the tonsils and adenoids.
Snorers with any of the following symptoms should be evaluated for possible obstructive sleep apnea:
- Witnessed episodes of breathing pauses or apnea during sleep
- Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- History of a stroke
As always, talking with your doctor may ease your snoring woes and help you – and those around you – get a better night’s sleep.
