Older — And Snoring More

Wednesday, December 08, 2004

ROCHESTER, Minn. — If the average age in your household is creeping past middle age and there's more snoring going on, you aren't alone.

People of all ages snore, but it's more common in overweight, middle-aged and elderly people. According to the December issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource, about one-third of older adults snore.

Snoring occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in your throat, causing the tissues to vibrate as you breathe. The vibrations cause snoring.

Snoring sometimes is associated with obstructive sleep apnea — breathing disruption caused by excessive sagging of throat tissues blocking the airway — which become more common as you age. Weight gain also contributes to snoring. One way to prevent snoring is to lose weight if needed, or to maintain a healthy weight. Other prevention strategies are sleeping on your side, using a decongestant to treat nasal congestion or obstruction and limiting or avoiding the use of alcohol and sedatives.

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Mayo Clinic Jacksonville — Erik Kaldor 904-953-2299

Mayo Clinic Scottsdale — Lynn Closway 480-301-4337

Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource is published monthly to help women enjoy healthier, more productive lives. Revenue from subscriptions is used to support medical research at Mayo Clinic. To subscribe, please call 800-876-8633, extension 9PK1.

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