Why Snoring Causes More Health Problems for Women than Men
Snoring is a problem that affects both men and women.
It occurs due to the vibration of airway structures and obstruction of airflow. The three main causes of snoring are obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
According to scientists, the greater a person’s body weight, the more likely they are to snore.
A recent British study, cited by AgroWeb.org, concluded that the heart of a woman who snores is more easily and quickly damaged than that of men who snore.
Loud snoring is the first alarm of obstructive sleep apnea, which affects millions of people worldwide. Sleep apnea involves the interruption and blockage of breathing during the night.
This condition is a risk factor for numerous diseases and health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and poor blood sugar metabolism.
During the study, British experts analyzed data from a total of 4,500 men and women. They discovered that during snoring, the heart undergoes physical changes that also affect how it pumps blood.
Researchers, cited by AgroWeb.org, also observed that women were more vulnerable to these changes compared to men. The heart of a woman who snores enlarges more significantly, posing serious health risks, particularly for heart attacks and ischemia.
Sleep Apnea and Women’s Health
Snoring is just one way that sleep apnea manifests in individuals.
Women who snore and experience breathing difficulties during the night suffer from morning headaches, mood swings, and daytime drowsiness.
In some cases, women may need to make basic lifestyle changes to reduce episodes of sleep apnea. For instance, sleep apnea tends to worsen when sleeping on the back, so sleeping on the side is often recommended.
Alcohol should be avoided, especially in the evening. One of the most effective ways to prevent nighttime breathing obstructions is to lose weight.
