Men are twice as likely to snore as women and middle-aged men are the worst offenders.
Women snore during and after menopause, and they’re also more likely to snore during pregnancy because of hormonal and physical changes.
Many children snore because of allergies, enlarged tonsils and adenoids, or craniofacial abnormalities, which may cause snoring to continue into adulthood if not dealt with.
Snoring can be genetic, with risk factors like jaw structure and airway obstruction.
Snoring is a real problem that can affect our well-being and put strain on relationships.
Experts warn that snoring is increasing and they blame this on alcohol abuse and unhealthy diets.
Obstructive sleep apnoea, where a person stops breathing during sleep, is a disorder associated with snorers. Prolonged periods of sleep apnoea can result in higher blood pressure and enlargement of the heart, increasing the risk of a heart attack.
The advice is to maintain a healthy diet and weight. Being overweight can lead to snoring.
Source: Irish Independent, 15/11/10
