"50% of those with loud snoring suffer from sleep apnea and should be checked and treated," explains Dr. Avi, the Aviisha Medical Wellness Institute Medical Director and on site sleep specialist.
Snoring occurs because of an obstruction or a narrowing of the airway. The more the airway narrows or is blocked, the harder the body has to work to push air out, putting increased pressure on the heart. Over time, this increased pressure on the heart will have a detrimental effect on the heart muscle, leading to conditions such as high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke. People who snore do experience a higher incidence of stroke and cardiovascular disorders. Sleep apnea, in which the airway becomes blocked fully or partially, is at the extreme of the snoring spectrum. As the sound and persistence of a patient's snoring grows, so do the health concerns.
Loud snorers are at a
- 40 percent greater risk than nonsnorers of suffering from high blood pressure.
- 34 percent greater risk of having a heart attack.
- 67 percent greater chance of having a stroke.
The National Sleep Foundation found that about one third of U.S. working adults report snoring at least a few nights each month. Snoring generally worsens with age so the rate increases among the elderly. And, contrary to common perceptions, it's nearly as common in women as men. Menopause and being overweight are important factors. Yet many who regularly snore don't realize that it could be bad for their health.
The research linking hypertension, heart problems and loud snoring is relatively new and awareness of sleep apnea is growing. But it is a condition that remains vastly undertreated.
What should you do if you snore?
- At your next primary care doctor visit, tell your physician that you snore - even if you are not asked. Most doctors don't routinely ask patients about the quality of their sleep, giving the impression that it is not an important health factor. Good sleep is critical to good health!
- Ask your doctor about getting tested for sleep apnea. Most likely, you will be referred to a sleep clinic for an overnight sleep evaluation. Ask about the availability of a home sleep test if you prefer to conduct the test in your own home.