Snoring is often dismissed as an annoying habit. Something that disrupts sleep but seems harmless enough. However, new research tells us that snoring could be more than just a problem.
It may be a warning sign of serious health risks. Recent study shows a strong connection between snoring and increased risk of stroke. Emphasizing the importance of taking this common issue seriously.
What Is Snoring, and Why Does It Happen?
Snoring is a common condition experienced by millions of people worldwide. It’s often perceived as a minor inconvenience. But snoring can be a sign of underlying health issues.
The Basics of Snoring
Snoring occurs when air passes through relaxed tissues in the throat during sleep. This airflow causes the tissues to vibrate producing the sound we recognize as snoring.
It’s most commonly heard when people breathe through their mouths while sleeping. In fact, approximately 44% of men and 28% of women snore regularly . But its not just a sound. It can be a signal of something more significant.
Why Do People Snore?
Several factors may contribute to snoring. One of the most common is the relaxation of muscles during sleep. When the muscles in the throat, tongue and roof of the mouth relax, they can partially block the airway. Leading to snoring. Other contributing factors include:
- Sleep Position: Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue and soft tissues to collapse into the throat. Increasing the likelihood of snoring.
- Obesity: Excess weight, especially around the neck can narrow the airway and cause snoring. Studies show that people with obesity are twice as likely to snore .
- Nasal Congestion: Allergies, colds, or sinus infections can block nasal passages. Forcing you to breathe through your mouth and increasing the chance of snoring.
- Alcohol Consumption: Also drinking alcohol before bed relaxes the muscles in the throat, making snoring more likely.
When Is Snoring a Concern?
Occasional snoring is usually harmless. But habitual snoring can indicate more serious health problems. If snoring is accompanied by gasping, choking, or pauses in breathing, it may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a condition that needs medical attention. Additionally, chronic snoring can disrupt sleep quality. Leading to daytime fatigue, irritability and further health issues.
How Is Snoring Linked to Sleep Apnea?
Snoring is not just a nighttime annoyance. It’s often linked to a more serious condition known as obstructive sleep apnea(OSA). This connection is important. OSA is associated with significant health risks including cardiovascular disease and stroke.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Meanwhile, obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where the airway becomes repeatedly blocked during sleep, reducing or completely stopping airflow. This blockage can last for a few seconds to over a minute and can occur multiple times throughout the night.
As a result, the brain momentarily wakes the body to resume breathing, leading to fragmented sleep and reduced oxygen levels in the blood. It’s estimated that around 30 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. With 80% of moderate and severe cases going undiagnosed .
The Connection Between Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Not all people who snore have sleep apnea. But most people with sleep apnea snore. The primary link between the two lies in the airway obstruction. In sleep apnea the airway is either partially or completely blocked during sleep, leading to loud snoring, gasping, or choking sounds. The severity of snoring can sometimes reflect the severity of sleep apnea.
As mentioned, snoring, particularly when it’s loud and persistent, is often one of the first signs of sleep apnea. People who snore loudly may have OSA . This means that if you or someone you know is a chronic snorer, it’s essential to consider the possibility of sleep apnea and seek medical evaluation.
What Does the New Study Reveal About Snoring and Stroke Risk?
A recent study emphasizes the imaginable dangers of snoring. Particularly its connection to stroke risk. Conducted in a Chinese population, this study examines whether snoring could be more than just a nighttime problem. And the findings suggest that snoring might actually raise the risk of stroke. Making it an influential health concern.
The Study’s Background
Previous observational studies have already established a link between snoring and stroke. However this new study aimed to investigate whether snoring could be a causal factor in stroke. Rather than just a correlated one.
The researchers conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis involving 82, 339 individuals of Asian descent from the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB). And using genetic data the study was able to more accurately determine whether snoring could directly cause an increased risk of stroke.
Key Findings of the Study
The study findings were compelling. Researchers found positive associations between snoring and various types of stroke. Including total stroke, hemorrhagic stroke (HS) and ischemic stroke (IS). Heres the results:
- Total Stroke: Individuals who were genetically predisposed to snore had a 1.56 times higher risk of total stroke based on genetic risk scores (GRS) from the CKB data. And a 1.78 times higher risk based on GRS from the UK Biobank (UKB).
- Hemorrhagic Stroke (HS): The risk for hemorrhagic stroke was also elevated. With hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.50 and 1.94 from the CKB and UKB data, respectively.
- Ischemic Stroke (IS): Perhaps most concerning was the 2.02 times higher risk of ischemic stroke (CKB GRS) and 1.74 times higher risk (UKB GRS) for snorers.
Implications and Interpretation
These results suggest that snoring could be a significant risk factor for stroke. And importantly, this risk appears to be independent of body mass index (BMI). The study’s use of MR analysis, which helps control for confounding factors, strengthens the argument that snoring may causally contribute to stroke risk.
Why This Matters
The study stresses the importance of taking snoring seriously. Not just as an annoyance but as a potential indicator of increased stroke risk. For healthcare providers and individuals alike. So comprehending this link could lead to earlier interventions and potentially reduce the risk of stroke in those who snore.
Can Lifestyle Changes Reduce the Risk of Snoring-Related Stroke?
Fortunately, lifestyle changes can be important in reducing the risk of snoring-related stroke.
The Impact of Weight Management
One of the most effective ways to reduce snoring is through weight management. Excess weight, particularly around the neck can narrow the airway. Making it more likely to collapse during sleep and cause snoring.
Losing even a small amount of weight can help reduce snoring. A study found that a weight reduction of just 10% can lead to a significant improvement in sleep apnea severity, which is closely related to snoring.
Sleep Position Matters
How you sleep can also impact your likelihood of snoring. Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue and soft tissues in the throat to collapse to the back of the airway. Leading to obstruction and snoring.
Switching to a side-sleeping position can help keep the airway open, reducing or even eliminating snoring. Some people find that using a body pillow or a specially designed sleep positioner can help maintain a side-sleeping position throughout the night.
Avoiding Alcohol and Sedatives
Alcohol and sedatives relax the muscles in the throat. Increasing the chance of snoring. Avoiding these substances especially in the hours leading up to bedtime can lessen the risk of snoring. What’s more, studies have shown that alcohol consumption before bed can increase both the frequency and severity of snoring.
Addressing Nasal Congestion
When the nasal passages are blocked, breathing through the nose becomes hard. Leading to mouth breathing and snoring.Meanwhile, treating allergies using nasal decongestants or employing nasal strips can help keep the airways clear, reducing snoring.
Should You Seek Medical Advice for Snoring?
Occasional snoring is usually harmless. But habitual snoring can be a sign of more serious health issues. Including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Knowing when to seek medical advice for snoring can be vital in preventing serious health complications including stroke.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Not all snoring requires medical attention. But there are certain warning signs that should not be ignored. If snoring is loud, persistent and accompanied by gasping, choking or pauses in breathing. It could indicate OSA. Moreover, other symptoms to watch for include excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, morning headaches, and irritability.
The Importance of a Sleep Study
If you suspect that your snoring may be related to sleep apnea, a sleep study ( or polysomnography) can provide helpful understanding. This overnight test monitors your breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels and other vital signs while you sleep.
It can help diagnose sleep apnea and determine its severity. Which guide appropriate treatment. Seeking a sleep study if you experience frequent daytime sleepiness. Especially if you have a history of cardiovascular issues, as sleep apnea is a major risk factor for stroke.
Treatment Options for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Once diagnosed, there are several treatment options available for snoring and sleep apnea. For example, Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most common treatment for moderate to severe OSA.
It works by keeping the airway open using mild air pressure delivered through a mask. For those with mild sleep apnea or simple snoring, lifestyle changes, oral appliances or surgery may be recommended.
Why Addressing Snoring Is Important
Mainly, ignoring chronic snoring can lead to missed diagnoses of sleep apnea and its associated health risks. Early intervention can improve sleep quality, reduce the risk of serious health problems and enhance overall well-being. So it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek professional advice.
Please Note: The content shared is for informational use and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always speak to a healthcare provider for personal guidance.
How Does The Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona Help Manage Snoring Caused by OSA and Prevent Stroke?
The Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona is an expert in treating sleep apnea. A leading cause of snoring. Our experts provide CPAP therapy and other advanced treatments to manage obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
We help decrease the chance of stroke and also improve general health by handling the root cause of snoring. Our proven technique guarantees that individuals receive the most effective treatment options. We are committed to excellence, ensuring that every individual receives the highest standard of care. We make sure that each treatment is suitable for individuals.
Contact us. Schedule a consultation and start having better sleep.
References:
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Marie-Pierre St-Onge, & Esra Tasali. (2021). Weight Loss Is Integral to Obstructive Sleep Apnea Management. Ten-Year Follow-up in Sleep AHEAD. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 203(2), 161–162. https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.202007-2906ed
Ling, V., Wu, C., & Stiles, S. (2023, October 4). Sleep Apnea Statistics and Facts You Should Know. NCOA Adviser; NCOA Adviser. https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/sleep/sleep-apnea-statistics/
Snoring and Sleep Apnea – Harvard Health. (2022). Harvard Health; Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/snoring-and-sleep-apnea
Zhu, Y., Zhuang, Z., Jun Lv, Sun, D., Pei, P., Yang, L., Millwood, I. Y., Walters, R. G., Chen, Y., Du, H., Wu, X., Schmidt, D., Avery, D., Chen, J., Chen, Z., Li, L., Yu, C., Chen, J., Chen, Z., & Clarke, R. (2024). Causal association between snoring and stroke: a Mendelian randomization study in a Chinese population. The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific, 44, 101001–101001. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.101001
