consequences of snoring

Snoring has been estimated to affect up to 45 per cent of the adult population (Rice and Perskey, 1986). However snoring also has profound effects on those in proximity to a snorer.

Research by the British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association has shown that 80% of couples affected by snoring sleep in separate rooms. The psychological effects of snoring and resulting tension in relationships can put strain on partner relationships.

In addition the partner of a persistent snorer may not be able to experience a restful night's sleep resulting in them suffering some of the effects of sleep deprivation.

Daytime sleepiness

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in SBD can result from hypoxia and a poor quality of sleep due to multiple arousals, that terminate most of the respiratory events, leading to sleep fragmentation (Sink et al., 1986; Colt, 1991). The aetiology of EDS remains controversial, however Colt (1991) using a prospective randomised crossover study provided the strongest evidence relating EDS to sleep fragmentation rather than hypoxia. EDS can result in the sufferer falling asleep at unexpected and inappropriate moments. In extreme cases, this can be while talking or eating, with the subject managing to stay alert only if moving or being constantly stimulated. Adverse effects of EDS also include reduction in overall performance, inability to concentrate, poor memory and temporal disorientation (Kaplan, 1992; Jennum and Sjol, 1994). This can have a profound effect on the safety of both the individual and others if, for example they operate machinery or drive vehicles for an occupation. Research demonstrates that drivers suffering from pathological sleepiness were up to seven times more likely to be implicated in an accident than unaffected individuals (Haraldsson et al., 1990) and perform poorly under simulated driving conditions (Juniper et al., 2000). Sufferers may therefore find themselves unemployed, either because they feel unable to cope with their work or because they are required to give it up in case they become a danger to others.

Daytime sleepiness

The possibility exists that the snoring is a symptom of underlying OSA with the associated additional health risks.