Who Snores?

Anything that compromises the airway will make it harder to breathe during sleep. In turn that increases the chance of snoring. The typical snorer is a moderately overweight man, usually in his forties or fifties. Many studies have shown that men are far more likely to snore than women. Men also snore louder. The reason for this is unclear. It may be due to androgen, a male hormone that, in addition to its other effects, stimulates appetite and encourages weight gain and the development of bulky muscles and body tissues.

Another factor in snoring is weight gain. When we put on pounds, we put them on all over our body, including the throat and neck. A thicker neck means more throat tissue pressing on the airway. The smaller the diameter of the airway, the harder it will be for you to breathe while sleeping. The more effort you have to put into breathing, the more apt you are to snore.

About one-third of Americans weigh more than they should, and about fifty-eight million are well over a healthy weight. The good news is that you don't have to lose a lot to turn down the volume on snoring. Shedding just five to ten pounds can make a big difference in helping you sleep better.

In addition to weight gain, age is also a factor in snoring. As we get older, we are more likely to start snoring. This may be because many of us gain a little weight and lose some muscle tone over time. Extra weight and looser throat muscles means louder snores. This is true for women as well as men.

Among young adults, male snorers outnumber female by ten to one. After menopause, however, female snorers rev up their engines, until the ratio is more like three to one. This phenomena may be due to more than weight gain; doctors think the female hormone estrogen stimulates breathing and discourages snoring. This may explain why women often don't start snoring until after menopause, when their bodies cut back on estrogen production.

Lack of exercise also causes people to snore. We all lose some muscle tone as we get older. This is just as true for the muscles in the face and neck as it is everywhere else. If these muscles sag during sleep, they can narrow the airway and obstruct your breathing. We can't blame it all on age, unfortunately. Sedentary people who don't get much exercise are three times more likely to snore than people who stay active. Mild to moderate activity such as gardening, bike riding, or walking the dog are activities that helps you stay active.

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