Health by Robert MacMillan MD It is estimated that two-thirds of partnered adults report that their partners snore and 40 per cent of us are snorers by the time we reachmiddle age. Snoring not only disrupts the sleeping pattern of a partner, it can also significantly affect the health of the one who snores. As such, it’s important for us to understand the condition and make an effort to reduce snoring and the risks and complications which may result, including the development of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs in up to 40 per cent of chronic snorers. Snoring occurs as a result of relaxation of the respiratory muscles in the upper airway including the nasal passages, and relaxation of the tongue falling backwards in the throat during sleep. The result is temporary obstruction to the airway which, in more serious cases, can result in sleep apnea with all its risks. There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of snoring. Obstruction in the nasal airway due to allergies, deviated septum and low humidity can lead to snoring. Malposition of the jaw and sleeping on one’s back, relaxation of the muscles from sedatives or alcohol consumption, and obesity are other common contributing factors. In obesity, the throat tissue becomes more bulky and there is loss of tone in the throat muscles. Bothmen and women who are overweight are far more likely to develop snoring and sleep apnea than persons of normal weight. Those who are successful in losing weight are often relieved of the problem. SNORING AND SLEEP APNEA 42 | www.snowbirds.org
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