All too often we act as though snoring is exclusively a man’s problem. Although it is true that because of the way men carry their weight, they are often more likely to snore, and women, who tend to be lighter sleepers, are more likely to wake to hear it.
But it isn’t only men who have a problem with snoring. All too often, women’s snoring may go ignored by her and her doctor who does not recognize the likelihood of snoring in women patients. However, awareness that women snore is growing, to the point that we can now have a Daily Mail feature on the impact of women’s snoring.
Snoring Leads to Arguments and Anxiety
This feature is a good exploration of women snoring in part because of its diversity. It looks at three women, age 37, 43, and 60, with three different causes of their snoring. The youngest woman suspects that she largely inherited sleep apnoea due to sinuses that are small and restricted. She also thinks that recurring infections when she was younger worsened her snoring.
The next youngest thinks that weight gain is the cause of her snoring, which began after delivering her second child.
The oldest knows that she never snored until menopause, when her snoring grew quite loud.
These are three common causes of sleep apnoea that every woman should consider. Inherited differences in the structure of the airways can make it harder to breathe at night, resulting in an increased risk of snoring. Weight gain can also contribute to snoring risk. Women’s risk of snoring also increases dramatically after menopause, when it actually approaches that of men.
Even More Serious Than Represented
There are, though, a couple of problems with the article. First, the article focuses primarily on the marriage problems women have as a result of their snoring. It discusses fears about lack of intimacy, fights that occur as a result of snoring, and other relationship problems. There is little attention given to the potentially serious consequences of sleep apnoea, such as depression and heart disease.
The article also neglects treatment options that are available. The postmenopausal woman did get tested for sleep apnoea — which she didn’t have–and then tried over-the-counter remedies, with no effect. The woman with sinus problems has tried nasal dilator sprays, which is working slightly.
But there is no talk about how effective oral appliances are for both snoring and sleep apnoea. This is a very effective, comfortable, and convenient treatment option.
Whether you’re a man or woman looking for snoring treatment in Sydney, we can help. Please call (02) 9686 7375 for an appointment with a sleep dentist at My Hills Dentist in Baulkham Hills.
