Regular snorers are five times more likely to develop Heart Disease and Stroke
22-APR-10
The British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association (BSSAA) has revealed that regular snorers are five times more likely to develop heart disease, hypertension, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol than occasional snorers(i). According to the BSSAA approximately 15 million people across the UK (ii) snore, with many also suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, a potentially life-threatening condition where breathing stops temporarily during sleep.
With this news local clinicians from BMI The Winterbourne Hospital are urging snorers who feel that their condition may have a negative impact on their health and quality of life to seek medical advice from their local GP.
This year The Winterbourne hospital in Dorchester will be supporting National Stop Snoring Week during 19-24 April 2010. The Winterbourne Hospital hopes that by supporting the campaign it can raise awareness and educate sufferers of the risks associated with these conditions and the various treatment options that are available to them.
Marianne Davey, Director of British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association, says, “We are delighted that The Winterbourne Hospital is supporting our awareness campaign. It is important that sufferers are aware of the causes and the ways they can improve their condition.”
Common questions about snoring and sleep apnoea:
1. What happens when you snore?
Snoring is a coarse sound made by the vibrations of the soft palate and other tissues of the mouth, nose and throat. When we are awake our muscles tense to keep the airway open, but when we are asleep the muscles relax causing a narrowing of the airway. It is this reduction of breathing space that causes turbulent flow of air and results in the production of snoring.
When you have sleep apnoea, your body automatically wakes you up to kick-start your breathing again. This can happen between 30-300 times a night, making it hard for the body to get enough oxygen and putting a strain on your heart. Sleep apnoea can cause heart attacks and strokes, so if you are concerned about sleep apnoea, consult your GP.
2. What are the causes?
There are many different factors, which can increase your chances of snoring and developing sleep apnoea. One of the most common causes is being overweight. The fat around your neck places extra pressure on your airways and as a result, your airway becomes partially blocked, causing the vibrations to occur and thereby producing the noise. If you have a BMI of over 30 or a collar size above 16 ½ then it is extremely likely that you will snore. In many cases when the patient loses the weight and exercises regularly they stop snoring.
Alcohol and smoking can also be a contributing factor since both cause congestion to develop in your nose and throat, making it difficult to keep your airway clear when you are asleep.
This year during National Stop Snoring Week, The British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association will be launching an interactive house that will be scrutinising how the most innocent of possessions in the home can lead people to snore. Ms Davey continues “We may think the bedroom is the worst culprit with house dust mites running rampant within our mattresses, quilts and pillows, but in a typical home there are sources in every room that have the potential to cause snoring. Recent research even cited our pets as a cause of snoring as they increase airborne particles that encourage airway inflammation and spread infectious bacteria.” To learn more, visit www.britishsnoring.co.uk.
3. When should I seek medical advice?
It is advised that all people who snore should seek medical help for this condition, as clinical evidence suggests that long term snoring carries the same health risks as sleep apnoea – risks such as heart disease, hypertension, stroke, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. Sufferers should seek advice from their GPs to discuss treatments that are available to them.
4. What are my options for treatment?
Sufferers can use products to ease symptoms including mouth guards, nasal strips and Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs), however, if they prove to be ineffective then patients can discuss treatment options with their GP. There are several options for treatment, however, the effectiveness of these treatments is dependent upon the cause of the problem for each individual. Also, depending on the severity of the patient’s snoring, GPs can refer sufferers for a consultation with an ENT specialist to diagnose their condition.
5. What surgical procedures are available?
Snoring patients may have a physical obstruction in different levels, anywhere from the level of the nose down to the voicebox. The obstruction maybe a bent cartilage or polyps in the nose. A procedure, known as a septoplasty corrects the bent cartilage to clear the airway. This is performed under a general anaesthetic and the patient can either have the operation as a day procedure or stay overnight.
Other procedures involve surgery to the palate with or without removal of the tonsils. This re-shapes- or strengthens the palate to reduce its vibration.
For further information on snoring treatments or to book a consultation please contact 01305 756625.
Snoring facts (iii)
41.5% of the UK adult population snore
There are 10.5 million males and 4.5 million females who snore
More than 50% of patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) have high blood pressure whereas only 25% of patients with high blood pressure have OSA
Figures from a recent survey found men are louder snorers than women
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