The Science of Snoring: Medical Effects of Sleepless Nights

Before doctors began studying the effects of snoring on the

body's entire system, most people thought snoring was merely an

annoyance. Usually just to the people around them.



In the 90s though, the "sleep study" clinics started showing up

in communities all over the world. Sleep study techs have

strapped tens of thousands of participants into an electronic

sensor harnesses and monitor every night's sleep. Now we have a

solid decade or more of data on the effects of snoring, sleep

apnea, and other sleeping disorders. The results are alarming

but people generally do not seem to be taking their snoring or

sleep apnea seriously.



Snoring Statistics



30% of people over age 30 snore, rising to 40% by mid life. (

British Medical Journal, 1997) This would equate to around 89

million people in the U.S. alone!



There is a 2:1 ratio of men to women who snore. After menopause

the gap closes. (Vancouver sleep and Breathing Center)



Heavy snorers can wake up, without being aware of it, over 100

times per night. This type of "sleep" causes radical declines

in health.



The Health Risks of Snoring



For the snorer, risks can range from hypertension and heart

disease to weight gain, lack of energy and a wide range of other

systemmatic problems. In short, moderate to heavy snorers can

see drastic changes in their energy levels and poor yearly

checkup results by their family doctor.



And it doesn't stop there. It has been reported that people who

sleep with a snoring partner are likely losing an hour of sleep

each night, without being snorers themselves. Health risks for

people in this situation are less severe than for the snoring

partner, but constantly getting less sleep than you need causes

its own health problems which are widely documented.



If you or your partner suffer from snoring, it is now

recommended that you ask your doctor about solutions. The first

place many seek help is on the internet, as there are a wide

variety of "stop snoring" aids available. Depending on which

one you try, results will vary. Your doctor may prescribe a

night in a sleep clinic to check for sleep apnea and whether or

not you have a remedy available through what is called a Cpap

breathing machine.



In all snoring cases, from moderate to extreme, it is crucial

that snorers and partners of snorers take this issue seriously,

now that science has fully exposed the multitude of ill effects

caused by snoring.



There are remedies for snorers. And they don't have to include

a $1500-$2000+ sleep study (which most insurance companies will

not pay for). The net is the best place to start, but beware

the snake oil salesmen. Look for proven snoring remedies and

anti-snoring devices that are well known and physician approved.



And don't forget the age old rule that many times the cheapest

and most simple devices and solutions in life are the most

successful. One example for snorers is located on the site

below.



Alan Schill is the owner and proprietor of a brilliantly simple

anti-snoring system at http://sleepgenie.com.