Prevalence Of Habitual Snoring Research Articles

Risk factors for habitual snoring among children aged 2-14years in Chengdu, Sichuan.

Habitual snoring (HS) is a prominent symptom of sleep-disordered breathing; thus, it isalso important to consider the associated, multidimensional risk factors for HS in children. This study was aimed to identify risk factors for HS in children. A cross-sectional survey was performed in Chengdu. Children aged 2-14years from four districts were randomly chosen to participate. Questionnaires were voluntarily completed by the children's guardians. The survey included 926 boys and 622 girls, who were an average of 6.4 ± 3.0years old. The sample included 463 habitual snorers (30.4%), 683 occasional snorers (44.8%), and 402 nonsnorers (26.4%). HS was found in 51.8% of children under 7years old and 26.6% of children aged 7years old or older. The prevalence of pregnancy complications was significantly lower in mothers who bore children with HS (p = .006). Among the HS group, 86.6% had an immediate family member who snores. Breastfeeding duration among the HS group was significantly less than among the occasional snoring and nonsnoring groups. History of symptoms of allergic rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, tonsillitis, and pneumonia/bronchitis in the past 6months was associated with HS. Likewise, maternal smoking during pregnancy, maternal exposure to secondhand smoke during pregnancy, and child exposure to secondhand smoke were also associated with HS. The prevalence of HS was higher in children under 7years old. Having a mother with more education, a family history of snoring, a shorter period of breastfeeding, upper respiratory tract inflammation, and passive smoking are important risk factors for HS. Pregnancy complications may be associated with lower prevalence of snoring in childhood.

Evaluation of the relationship between malocclusions and sleep-disordered breathing in children

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the relationship between dental/skeletal malocclusions and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in the early diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders in children. Methods Patients were evaluated by pedodontists to identify dental, skeletal, and functional malocclusion (n = 240; <15 years). In order to determine the sleep and daytime behavior of the patients, pediatric sleep questionnaires (PSQ) were applied. Per results of the PSQ, patients with a mean of ≥ 0.33 were defined as the high-risk group. Results A total of 25.8% children were in the high-risk group, with the most convex profile, high-angle growth direction, and mandibular retrognathy. The prevalence of habitual snoring, mouth breathing, and dry mouth was 48.4%, 64.5%, and 87.2% among all high-risk children, respectively. Conclusion Convex profile, high-angle growth direction, and retrognathic mandible were determined as risk factors for SDB. The prevalence of dry mouth, mouth breathing, and snoring was higher in the high-risk group.

Prevalence of Sleep-disordered Breathing and its Association with Obesity among Saudi Schoolchildren

Epidemiological studies of sleep disturbances are essential to promote awareness among families and educational officials and deliver appropriate treatment at a very early timing. The aim of this population-based study was to determine the frequency of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) symptoms and its association with obesity among schoolchildren in West Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study comprised 2,000 schoolchildren aged 6-12 years. Sleep-disordered breathing symptoms were assessed with Arabic version of Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ). Overweight/obesity was evaluated using body mass index (BMI) and their association with SDB was tested using a regression analysis model. Overall, 23% of children were at high risk of SDB. Prevalence of habitual snoring was 15.9% and sleep apnea 4%. Boys were at higher risk of SDB than girls (p = 0.026), while age had no effect (p = 0.254). High-risk SDB had a strong association with sleep symptoms compared to low-risk SDB (p < 0.05). Sleep-disordered breathing increased significantly in overweight and obese children (p = 0.017 and p < 0.001, respectively). Around 23% Saudi schoolchildren are at risk of SDB. Related symptoms were strongly associated with high risk of SDB. Overweight and obesity had a strong and progressive association with SDB. The results will help in identifying children at high risk of developing SDB and plan for early intervention to avoid the progression of SDB later in life.

Epidemiological characteristics and correlated factors of habitual snoring among Chinese aged 30 to 79 year-old

Objective: To describe the characteristics of habitual snoring among adults from 10 regions engaged in the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) study. Methods: The baseline survey of CKB was conducted from 2004 to 2008. Data was collected regarding the information on socio- demographic characteristics, lifestyle, sleeping habits, and results from the physical examination of the participants. Logistic regression models were used to compare the regional differences and to estimate the associations of other baseline characteristics on snoring habit. Results: A total of 512 713 participants were included in this study. The overall prevalence of habitual snoring was 21.2%, higher among men, in south regions and urban areas, but no difference observed among people with different socioeconomic status after adjusting for age, regions, BMI, waist circumference or lifestyle factors. Results showed that the prevalence of habitual snoring under the multivariable adjusted model increased among current and ever smokers, also among current and ever alcohol consumers. The risk of habitual snoring was increased by 19% per 1 kg/m(2) and 6% per 1 cm increment in BMI or waist circumference, respectively. Among participants with similar BMI, central obese individuals were more likely to be habitual snorers. For individuals with similar waist circumference, the prevalence of habitual snoring was higher among those with higher BMI. Conclusion: The prevalence of habitual snoring varied across regions. Substantial differences in habitual snoring were also seen among people with different lifestyles and body sizes.

Parental reports showed that snoring in infants at three and eight months associated with snoring parents and smoking mothers.

This prospective study examined the prevalence of snoring during infancy and the prenatal and postnatal risk factors for this condition. The study population comprised 1388 infants from the CHILD-SLEEP birth cohort, who were recruited in the Pirkanmaa Hospital District, Finland, between 2011 and 2013. Sleep and background factor questionnaires were filled out prenatally by parents and when the infant was three and eight months old. The prevalence of habitual snoring was 3.2% at the age of three months and 3.0% at eight months, and snoring infants had more sleeping difficulties at those ages, with odds ratios (ORs) of 3.11 and 4.63, respectively. At three months, snoring infants slept for a shorter length of time (p=0.001) and their sleep was more restless (p=0.004). In ordinal logistic regression models, parental snoring (adjusted OR=1.65 and 2.60) and maternal smoking (adjusted OR=2.21 and 2.17) were significantly associated with infant snoring at three and eight months, while formula feeding and dummy use (adjusted OR=1.48 and 1.56) were only associated with infant snoring at three months. Parental snoring and maternal smoking increased the risk of snoring. Infants who snored also seemed to suffer more from other sleep difficulties.

Parental Snoring and Environmental Pollutants, but Not Aeroallergen Sensitization, Are Associated with Childhood Snoring in a Birth Cohort.

The objective of this study was to determine whether atopy and other clinical and environmental variables predict the risk of childhood habitual snoring (HS) in a birth cohort born to atopic parents. Participants completed clinical evaluations and questionnaires at ages 1-4 and age 7. HS was defined as snoring ≥3 nights/week. Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) exposure was estimated using land-use regression. The association between early (≤age 4) and current (age 7) allergic disease, environmental exposures, and snoring at age 7 was examined using adjusted logistic regression. Of the 609 children analyzed the prevalence of HS at age 7 was 21%. Early tobacco smoke exposure [environmental tobacco smoke (ETS)] [odds ratio (OR) 1.79, 95% CI (confidence interval) 1.12-2.84], rhinitis (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.06-2.92), wheezing (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.05-2.53), maternal HS (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.36-3.18), and paternal HS (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.14-3.00) were significantly associated with HS at age 7. Current TRAP (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.13-3.26), respiratory infections (OR 1.16, 95% 1.03-1.35), maternal HS (OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.69-4.84), and paternal HS (OR 3.01, 95% CI 1.82-5.09) were significantly associated with HS at age 7. To our knowledge, this is the largest birth cohort examining longitudinal predictors of snoring in children born to atopic parents. Parental HS was the only variable consistently associated with childhood HS from ages 1 to 7. Early rhinitis, early ETS exposure, and concurrent traffic pollution exposure increased the risk of HS at age 7, while aeroallergen sensitization did not. Children with these characteristics should be considered for screening of sleep disorders.

Sleep problems in children and adolescents at pediatric clinics.

PurposeTo investigate the frequency of childhood sleep problems at pediatric clinics in Seoul and Gyeonggi provinces.MethodsChildren (n=936) and their parents who visited 5 primary and 1 secondary pediatric outpatient clinics were invited to complete a Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire.ResultsAmong patients, 901 (96.3%) answered questionnaires in sufficient detail for evaluation. The participant's mean age was 4.35±3.02 years (range, 0–18 years). The male to female ratio was 1:0.93 (466 boys, 435 girls). Habitual snoring (>3 day/week) was reported in 16.9% of the participants. The prevalence of habitual snoring in children <2 years and those between 2–5 years was 9% and 18%, respectively. Sleep disordered breathing was found in 15.1% (106 of 700) of children >2 years. Insomnia was reported in 13.2% of children. The prevalence of sleepwalking, night terrors, and bruxism, is 1.6%, 19%, and 21.1%, respectively. Snoring was associated with increased incidence of sleepwalking, night terrors, and bruxism. Age was associated with insomnia and habitual snoring (P<0.05). Insomnia was more prevalent in younger (21%) than in older children (6%). Snoring was more frequent in both preschool (34%) and school-aged children (33%). The frequency of sleep disordered breathing and insomnia did not vary significantly with gender. However, snoring was more prevalent in boys.ConclusionSleep problems are frequent among children in Korea. Children with snoring have an increased risk of sleepwalking, night terror, and bruxism. Primary clinicians should consider children's sleep habits to improve their health.

Prevalence and risk factors of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in a Saudi Arabian population.

BACKGROUND:Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder worldwide; however, epidemiological studies on its prevalence lack in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of OSA in Saudi Arabia.METHODS:The study was performed from 2013 to 2015 in two stages. The screening stage was first; a random sample of Saudi employees (n = 2682) 30–60 years of age completed a survey that included the Wisconsin questionnaire. According to these data, the subjects were categorized as habitual, moderate, or nonsnorers (NSs). The confirmatory second stage was a case–control study conducted on 346 individuals selected from each group using polysomnography (PSG).RESULTS:In the first stage, the prevalence of habitual snoring was 23.5%, moderate snoring was16.6%, while 59.9% of the sample was NSs. Among the 346 individuals who underwent PSG, a total of 235 (67.9%) subjects had OSA with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of ≥5; 76 (22.0%) had OSA syndrome (OSAS), defined by an AHI of ≥5 plus daytime sleepiness; and 227 (65.6%) had clinically diagnosed OSA syndrome (COSAS), as defined by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. A conservative estimate of at least 8.8% (12.8% in men and 5.1% in women) was calculated for the overall prevalence of OSA. Similarly, the overall estimated prevalence of OSAS and COSAS was 2.8% (4.0% in men and 1.8% in women) and 8.5% (12.4% in men and 4.8% in women), respectively. A multivariate analysis revealed age, gender, obesity, and hypertension as independent risk factors of OSA.CONCLUSIONS:Our study demonstrated that the rate and risk factors of OSA in the Saudi population are similar to those observed in Western studies.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Sleep-related breathing disorders range from habitual snoring to severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The prevalence of habitual snoring is high and up to 60 % depending on age, sex and body weight. However, in contrast to habitual snoring obstructive sleep apnea syndrome may be associated with medical complications. The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea is 2 – 5 % of the adult population. The article presents an overview of the diagnostic and therapeutic options. Continous positiv pressure therapy (CPAP) is the standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. However, long-term compliance of CPAP therapy is limited. Alternative therapeutic possibilities are presented and discussed.

Sleep Disorders and Occupational Accident in Shift Work Nurses

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of symptoms of sleep related breathing disorders in shiftwork nurses and to evaluate relationship between occupational accident and the symptoms. Material and Method: Data of 410 nurses was evaluated. A questionnaire was administered to get information on their socio-demographic data, presence of witnessed apnea during sleep, the prevalence of snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness and frequency of other symptoms and having any occupational accident. Results: The prevalence of habitual snoring, witnessed apnea, excessive daytime sleepiness was 5.4%, 22.4%, 47.1% respectively. Snoring (p<0.001) and witnessed apnea (p<0.001) prevalence was higher in overweight nurses. Mean values of the body mass index (p<0.001), neck circumflex (p=0.03), co-morbid disease (p<0.001) and the prevalence of witnessed apnea (p<0.001) among the nurses with habitual snoring were statistically higher than the nurses without habitual snoring. 51 nurses (12.4%) had been involved in an occupational accident. The prevalence of snoring (p=0.008) and mean Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) were higher than the group without accidents. The ESS was higher than 10 points in 63 (15.4%) of the interviews. In this group occupational accident prevalence was 4.1 times higher than the group with less than 10 points ESS. Conclusion: We come to the conclusion that interrogating the sleep related disorders symptoms in adults and also performing diagnostic procedures and treatment in case of suspicion may decrease the morbidity of sleep related breathing disorders. (Tur Toraks Der 2010; 11: 105-8)

Breastfeeding and Snoring: A Birth Cohort Study

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between breastfeeding and snoring in childhood.MethodsIn a cohort of children with a family history of asthma who were recruited antenatally we prospectively recorded data on infant feeding practices throughout the first year of life. Snoring status and witnessed sleep apnea were measured at age 8 years by parent-completed questionnaire. Associations were estimated by logistic regression with, and without, adjustment for sets of confounders designed to exclude biasing effects.ResultsHabitual snoring was reported in 18.8% of the sample, and witnessed apnea in 2.7%. Any breastfeeding for longer than one month was associated with a reduced risk of habitual snoring at age 8 (adjusted OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.81) and duration of breastfeeding was inversely associated with the prevalence of habitual snoring (adjusted OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.00). Any breastfeeding for longer than 1 month was associated with a lower risk of witnessed sleep apnea (adjusted OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.71). The protective associations were not mediated by BMI, current asthma, atopy or rhinitis at age 8 years.ConclusionsBreastfeeding for longer than one month decreases the risk of habitual snoring and witnessed apneas in this cohort of children with a family history of asthma. The underlying mechanism remains unclear but the finding would be consistent with a beneficial effect of the breast in the mouth on oropharyngeal development with consequent protection against upper airway dysfunction causing sleep-disordered breathing.

Neighbourhood air quality and snoring in school-aged children

The prevalence of habitual snoring has been extensively explored in paediatric populations. Although exposure to cigarette smoke increases the risk of habitual snoring in a dose-dependent fashion, the potential contribution of air quality to habitual snoring remains unclear. 6000 questionnaires were distributed to 6- to 12-year-old children attending public schools in five distinct neighbourhoods within the city of Tehran, Iran, that were preselected based on air quality measures. Habitual snoring was defined as loud snoring ≥3 nights per week. Information regarding clinical and family-related habitual snoring risk factors was also obtained. Descriptive statistics followed by adjusted risk assessments were conducted. Among the 4322 (72%) completed datasets, the prevalence of habitual snoring was 11.6%. Partition of habitual snoring rates according to neighbourhood air quality characteristics revealed significantly higher habitual snoring frequencies among children residing in neighbourhoods with greatest pollution (24.5% and 12.1% in South and Central neighbourhoods versus 7.0% and 7.7% in North and East neighbourhoods, respectively). The regional variance in habitual snoring was primarily accounted for by an integrated measure of air quality, even after controlling for other risk factors. Environmental air quality emerges as a significant and potentially modifiable contributor to the risk for developing habitual snoring during childhood.

Prevalence of habitual snoring and its correlates in young children across the Asia Pacific

To evaluate: (i) the prevalence of habitual snoring (HS) in a large sample of children aged from birth to 36 months in 14 countries across Asia Pacific; and (ii) the different correlates associated with HS in Caucasians, Chinese and non-Chinese, non-Caucasian Asians. This was a multi-centre, cross-sectional survey conducted across Asia Pacific. Parents/caregivers of 23,481 infants and toddlers completed an expanded version of the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire. We defined HS as snoring more than three nights per week. Chinese and non-Caucasian non-Chinese (NCNC) children had a lower prevalence of HS across the age range from birth to 3 years than their Caucasian counterparts (6.2% and 5.1% vs. 11%, P < 0.01). Boys had a higher prevalence of HS compared to girls (χ(2) = 98.5, P < 0.0001). History of prematurity (OR = 1.37-1.56, CI (1.1-2.17), P < 0.01) and gender (OR = 1.53-1.54, CI (1.26-1.85), P < 0.0001) were found to be significant predictors for HS. Current breastfeeding (OR = 0.69, CI (0.54-0.88), P < 0.005) and greater parental age (OR = 0.86, CI (0.78-0.96), P < 0.01) were protective against HS among NCNC children. HS was less prevalent in younger Chinese subjects (OR = 0.88, CI (0.84-0.93), P < 0.0001). In Caucasians, parents' education (OR = 0.78, CI (0.67-0.91), P < 0.005) and their not sleeping in the same room as their child (OR = 0.62, CI (0.45-0.86), P < 0.005) were negatively associated with parental report of HS. Prevalence of HS shows racial differences among countries across Asia Pacific. Future studies should assess craniofacial structure and body fat distribution as contributory factors for this differential prevalence.

Prevalence and factors associated with snoring in 3-year olds: Early links with behavioral adjustment

Identify the prevalence of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) symptoms in a community sample of New Zealand 3-year olds. To examine sleep, demographic, health, environmental, familial, perinatal, and behavioral adjustment factors associated with habitual snoring. A cross sectional study, in which parents of 823 children aged 3 years 0 months to 3 years 12 months (M:F=1:0.9) were recruited from the community. Participants completed questionnaires designed to assess information relevant to their children's sleep, with a particular focus on snoring. Parents reported snoring at least once a week in 36.9% of children, and habitual snoring (more than four nights per week) in 11.3% of children. Univariate analysis showed habitual snoring was more common amongst Māori (indigenous New Zealanders) (P=0.04) and males (P=0.05), and that habitual snorers came from more socio-economically deprived neighborhoods (P<0.01). Several other SDB-related symptoms were significantly associated with habitual snoring: mouth breathing, sweating profusely, waking during the night, sleeping with neck extended, constant runny nose, and suffering from tonsillitis. Mouth breathing was the most strongly associated. Multivariate analyzes revealed a strong positive relationship between snoring and some health and familial factors, as well as parent reported child irritability (OR=2.83; 95% CI 1.4-5.6) and hyperactivity (OR=1.6; 95% CI 1.0-2.7). The prevalence of habitual snoring amongst New Zealand pre-schoolers is similar to that reported elsewhere. Factors associated with habitual snoring include male gender, Māori ethnicity, and poorer deprivation neighborhood, as well as a variety of other environmental and health factors. The data provide evidence that habitual snoring associated with irritable and hyperactive behavior is evident in children as young as three.

Snoring Induced Nerve Lesions in the Upper Airway = آفات العصب الناتج عن الشخير في مجرى الهواء العلوي

The prevalence of habitual snoring is extremely high in the general population, and is reported to be roughly 40% in men and 20% in women. The low-frequency vibrations of snoring may cause physical trauma and, more specifically, peripheral nerve injuries, just as jobs which require workers to use vibrating tools over the course of many years result in local nerve lesions in the hands. Histopathological analysis of upper airway (UA) muscles have shown strong evidence of a varying severity of neurological lesions in groups of snoring patients. Neurophysiological assessment shows evidence of active and chronic denervation and re-innervation in the palatopharyngeal muscles of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients. Neurogenic lesions of UA muscles induced by vibration trauma impair the reflex dilation abilities of the UA, leading to an increase in the possibility of UA collapse. The neurological factors which are partly responsible for the progressive nature of OSAS warrant the necessity of early assessment in habitual snorers.

Ten-year natural course of habitual snoring and restless legs syndrome in a population aged 61–63 years at the baseline

We investigated the prevalence, natural course, and associated risk factors of habitual snoring (HS) and restless legs syndrome (RLS) over a period of 10 years among an aging population from their early sixties to their seventies. A population-based follow-up study among all persons born in 1935 and living in the city of Oulu in northern Finland was conducted. In this study, we examined subjects who had participated in two subsequent surveys conducted in 1996-1998 and 2007-2008. The data were gathered by questionnaires, as well as by laboratory and clinical measurements. Altogether 457 (55%) of the 838 eligible subjects participated in both surveys. The prevalence of both RLS and HS decreased during the 10 years from 21% to 15% and from 26% to 19%, respectively. Half of those who snored in 1996-1998 stopped snoring in 10 years time, and half of those who suffered from restless legs at least three times per week in 1996-1998 suffered from this syndrome never or less than once a week in 2007-2008. The 10-year incidence of new cases of both HS and RLS was 7%. Male gender predicted best the incidence of new HS in 10 years, while the Zung sum score as a marker of depressive symptoms and waist circumference predicted RLS. Overall, the prevalence of both HS and RLS seems to diminish during aging. The causes behind this still remain unknown and should be investigated with more sophisticated methods.

Prevalence of habitual snoring in children and occurrence of peri-operative adverse events

To describe the prevalence of habitual snoring and examine its association with peri-operative adverse events in children undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery--a relationship that has not been previously characterised. Using a prospective observational design, we studied children aged 6-18 years undergoing elective non-cardiac surgeries at our institution. Trained research assistants collected clinical (including peri-operative adverse events) and anthropometric data on all individuals. Patients were stratified into two classes, habitual snorers and non-snorers. Subsequently, univariate factors associated with snoring were explored and then odds ratios for the occurrence of peri-operative adverse events were calculated from logistic regression after controlling for clinically relevant cofactors. Among 1102 patients, the prevalence of habitual snoring was 27.3% (28.2% for boys vs. 26.3% for girls). All the measured anthropometric parameters (BMI, waist circumference and neck circumference) were significantly higher in habitual snorers compared with non-snorers. The overall respiratory complication rate was 11.1%. Respiratory adverse events were more frequent in habitual snorers compared with non-snorers (16.9 vs. 8.9%; P < 0.001). Additionally, habitual snoring was associated with longer post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) stay (114.0 ± 49.6 vs. 103.6 ± 48.9 min; P = 0.002) even after controlling for the occurrence of adverse respiratory events. The prevalence of habitual snoring was high in this cohort of paediatric surgical patients. Habitual snoring was associated with some peri-operative adverse events and prolonged PACU stay and should be considered an important symptom in the pre-operative review of children.

Habitual Snoring in school-aged children: environmental and biological predictors

BackgroundHabitual snoring, a prominent symptom of sleep-disordered breathing, is an important indicator for a number of health problems in children. Compared to adults, large epidemiological studies on childhood habitual snoring and associated predisposing factors are extremely scarce. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of habitual snoring among Chinese school-aged children.MethodsA random sample of 20,152 children aged 5.08 to 11.99 years old participated in a cross-sectional survey, which was conducted in eight cities of China. Parent-administrated questionnaires were used to collect information on children's snoring frequency and the possible correlates.ResultsThe prevalence of habitual snoring was 12.0% (14.5% for boys vs. 9.5% for girls) in our sampled children. Following factors were associated with an increased risk for habitual snoring: lower family income (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.46), lower father's education (OR = 1.38 and 1.14 for middle school or under and high school of educational level, respectively), breastfeeding duration < 6 months (OR = 1.17), pregnancy maternal smoking (OR = 1.51), obesity (OR = 1.50), overweight (OR = 1.35), several respiratory problems associated with atopy and infection, such as chronic/allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.94), asthma (OR = 1.43), adenotonsillar hypertrophy (OR = 2.17), and chronic otitis media (OR = 1.31), and family history of habitual snoring (OR = 1.70).ConclusionThe prevalence of habitual snoring in Chinese children was similar to that observed in other countries. The potential predisposing factors covered socioeconomic characteristics, environmental exposures, chronic health problems, and family susceptibility. Compared to socioeconomic status and family susceptibility, environmental exposures and chronic health problems had greater impact, indicating childhood habitual snoring could be partly prevented by health promotion and environmental intervention.

Sleep Disorders and Occupational Accident in Shift Work Nurses

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of symptoms of sleep related breathing disorders in shiftwork nurses and to evaluate relationship between occupational accident and the symptoms. Material and Method: Data of 410 nurses was evaluated. A questionnaire was administered to get information on their socio-demographic data, presence of witnessed apnea during sleep, the prevalence of snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness and frequency of other symptoms and having any occupational accident. Results: The prevalence of habitual snoring, witnessed apnea, excessive daytime sleepiness was 5.4%, 22.4%, 47.1% respectively. Snoring (p<0.001) and witnessed apnea (p<0.001) prevalence was higher in overweight nurses. Mean values of the body mass index (p<0.001), neck circumflex (p=0.03), co-morbid disease (p<0.001) and the prevalence of witnessed apnea (p<0.001) among the nurses with habitual snoring were statistically higher than the nurses without habitual snoring. 51 nurses (12.4%) had been involved in an occupational accident. The prevalence of snoring (p=0.008) and mean Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) were higher than the group without accidents. The ESS was higher than 10 points in 63 (15.4%) of the interviews. In this group occupational accident prevalence was 4.1 times higher than the group with less than 10 points ESS. Conclusion: We come to the conclusion that interrogating the sleep related disorders symptoms in adults and also performing diagnostic procedures and treatment in case of suspicion may decrease the morbidity of sleep related breathing disorders. (Tur Toraks Der 2010; 11: 105-8)

Prevalence of habitual snoring and symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing in adolescents

Objective Sleep-disordered breathing is an important public health problem in adolescents. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of habitual snoring and symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing in adolescents. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with children from primary schools and high schools that the ages ranged from 12 to 17 years. Data were collected by physical examination and questionnaires filled in by parents regarding sleep habits and possible risk factors of snoring. According to answers, children were classified into three groups: non-snorers, occasional snorers, and habitual snorers. Results The response rate was 79.2%; 1030 of 1300 questionnaires were fully completed and analyzed. The prevalence of habitual snoring was 4.0%. Habitual snorers had significantly more nighttime symptoms including observed apneas, difficulty breathing, restless sleep and mouth breathing during sleep compared to occasional and non-snorers. Prevalence of habitual snoring was increased in children who had had tonsillar hypertrophy, allergic rhinitis, and maternal smoking. Conclusion We found the prevalence of habitual snoring to be 4.0% in adolescents from the province of Manisa, Turkey which is low compared to previous studies. Habitual snoring is an important problem in adolescents and habitual snorers had significantly more nighttime symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing compared to non-snorers.