December 2, 2008

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Snoring (cont.)

Snoring Causes

  • The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea increases with age.

  • In people aged 30-60 years, 2% of all women and 4% of all men have OSA. Up to 60% of the elderly have the condition.

  • Most people diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea are obese. Increased neck fat is thought to narrow the airway, making breathing more difficult.

  • Men are 7-10 times more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea than women.

  • More African Americans have OSA than do whites.

  • Most people with obstructive sleep apnea are older than 40 years. Weight gain and a decrease in muscle tone occur with aging, and these may play a role in increasing the incidence of OSA.

  • Sleep apnea is more common in postmenopausal women.

  • Family history and genetics play a role.

  • Polio and muscular dystrophy increase the chance of obstructive sleep apnea, as do other medical conditions such as sinus infections, allergies, colds and nasal tumors, and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland).



Next: Snoring Symptoms »

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