Understanding Men's Snoring: Causes, Risk Factors & When to Seek Help

Snoring often occurs in men because of lifestyle choices that can include lack of exercise, smoking and a tendency to overeat, resulting in obesity. The prevalence of snoring in men increases until they reach ages 50 to 60, according to a Swedish study.

History

• Snoring occurs more frequently when you sleep on your back

  Once dismissed as a mere nuisance, the causes of snoring escaped serious scrutiny until recent decades.

Significance

• a cessation of breathing called "sleep apnea" can have serious consequences for the snorer

  Snoring presents a risk when caused by obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that temporarily halts breathing.

Causes

• Obesity is a significant cause of snoring

  Causes of snoring include relaxation of the muscles of the throat, enlarged adenoids or tonsils, respiratory infections, a deviated septum, alcohol or tranquilizers and obesity.

Insight

• Children who had pets sometimes grow to become adults who snore

  Whether a man grows up to snore may depend on his childhood and whether he came from a large family in a household which included pets, or if he suffered from respiratory ailments and ear infections.

Solution

• Daytime sleepiness often results from a previous night of snoring

  Most people cannot determine the cause of their snoring and should see a physician to rule out obstructive sleep apnea and to explore the possibility of a lifestyle modification plan.