Why Do We Snore?
Snoring is a common condition. Almost everyone snores occasionally, but studies show that about 60% of us snore regularly especially as we mature in age. Snoring, of course, is irritating to others, but what is lesser known is that snoring can be a serious health hazard.
When you sleep, your entire body relaxes. Usually snoring occurs when the lower jaw (mandible) also relaxes and then moves back. This action restricts the airway and allows the tongue to fall back onto the soft tissue at the back of the throat. The resulting vibration is the snoring noise.
Snoring statistics
- 60% of the middle-aged population snore
- 50% of men snore
- 40% of women snore
- 4%-6% of severe snorers suffer from sleep apnoea
- 75%-80% of snorers are overweight
The most typical health problem snoring causes is loss of sleep for both the snorer and their sleep partner. The snorer may wake frequently, either from the sound of their own snoring, or from jostling related to the snoring. The sleep partner has trouble sleeping deeply because of the snoring noise, plus anxiety about their partner's health and well-being. This sleep deprivation has consequences during the day: sleepiness, irritability loss of concentration and lack of productivity, and a lowered immune system. As well as a significant increase in car or domestic accidents.
In extreme cases, snoring can cause reduced oxygen flow to the brain, which can lead to Type II Diabetes, high blood pressure, hypertension, stroke, and heart disease.
Chronic snorers are often middle-aged and overweight, and snoring may indicate a more serious underlying medical problem. If you are a severe snorer, see a doctor so you can rule out any serious health problems that are a result of or a cause of the snoring.