Prevalence Of Snoring Research Articles

Apneia obstrutiva do sono em crianças

Childhood obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by recurrent episodes of partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep. The disease encompasses a continuum from primary snoring (a benign condition without physiological alterations or associated complications) to increased upper airway resistance, obstructive hypoventilation and OSAS. The prevalence of snoring is high, ranging from 1.5% to 15%, depending on how it is defined. Based on parent-reported questionnaires and complementary tests, the prevalence of OSAS is 1-4%. This syndrome is more common in boys, overweight children, of African ancestry, with a history of atopy and prematurity. The most common symptoms are snoring that is frequent and loud; family-reported apnea; and restless sleep. The physical examination should assess growth status, signs of chronic upper airway obstruction, and craniofacial malformations. Overnight polysomnography is the gold standard test for the diagnosis and for the determination of the appropriate positive pressure level, as well as for postsurgical treatment evaluation. Intermittent hypoxia and multiple arousals resulting from obstructive events contribute to the well-described cardiovascular, neurocognitive, and behavioral consequences in pediatric patients with OSAS. Although the main treatment for OSAS in children is adenotonsillectomy, treatment with CPAP or Bilevel is becoming more widely used in the pediatric population.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of sleep-disordered breathing symptoms in young and middle-aged Pakistani employed adults

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of self-reported sleep-disordered breathing (SDB symptoms and its associated risk factors in Pakistani employed adults. Full-time employees (n = 3470) of a medical university were evaluated. Self-administered questionnaire elicited information about demographic data, symptoms of SDB, smoking and alcohol use, presence of nasal congestion, family history of snoring, and included the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Prevalence of self-reported snoring and of combined SDB symptoms (snoring plus at least one other SDB symptom) was evaluated. Regression analyses were used to assess risk factors associated with self-reported snoring and combined SDB symptoms. Among the 2,497 (72%) responders, prevalence of self-reported snoring was 32%, and combined SDB symptoms 25%. A higher prevalence of snoring and combined SDB symptoms in male gender diminished with age. In univariate analysis, the odds of snoring was higher with age >or=35 yrs (odds ratio (OR) 2.6, confidence interval (CI) 2.2-3.2), body mass index >or=23 (OR 2.6, CI 2.2-3.1), and collar size above 40 cm (OR 2.7, CI 2.3-3.3). Self-reported nasal blockage (OR 1.9, CI 1.6-2.2) and family history of snoring (OR 2.9, 2.5-3.5) were other risk factors. In logistic regression analysis, significant risk factors for SDB symptoms were age, body mass index, collar size, nasal blockage, and family history of snoring. Male gender, smoking and alcohol were not significant risk factors for SDB symptoms. The prevalence of SDB symptoms in Pakistani employed adults was comparable to Western populations. However, male gender and smoking were not significant risk factors for SDB symptoms.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Among Adults in Nigeria

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common medical condition with significant adverse medical and public health consequences, but OSAS remains undiagnosed in many individuals. The Berlin questionnaire is a validated instrument that is used to identify individuals who are at risk for OSAS. To determine the prevalence of high risk of OSAS in an adult population in Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was done of 370 young adults and adults living in Abuja, Nigeria, using the Berlin questionnaire. This instrument includes questions about snoring; witnessed apneas, self-reported hypertension, and daytime sleepiness. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics. Excessive daytime sleepiness was determined using Epworth Sleepiness scale. Body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure were calculated and measured, respectively. Of the 370 respondents, 218 (59%) were females. The overall prevalence of snoring was 31%. Overall, 19% of participants (22% of men and 16% of women) met the Berlin questionnaire criteria indicating a high risk of OSAS. The highest prevalence of risk of OSAS occurred in ages 50 to 59 years for male. Respondents with a high risk for OSAS were more likely to be obese (BMI >30 kg/m2), have a higher mean ESS score, and a chronic medical condition than those who were at lower risk. OSAS may be more common a medical problem than ever imagined among Nigerians.

The development of sleep disordered breathing from 4 to 12 years and dental arch morphology

Objective To track the development of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) as well as dento-facial morphology in cohort of children by having them complete a questionnaire at ages 4, 6 and 12. Clinical examination, sleep studies (at ages 4 and 12) and orthodontic evaluation were carried out on all who were reported to snore regularly and children who did not snore at all. Results Out of the original group of 615 children, 64% (393) answered the inquiry on all three occasions. Of those, 27 snored regularly and 231 did not snore at all at the age of 12. There were differences between those groups on all answers, especially prevalence of oral breathing: 78% versus 5% ( p < 0.001). The prevalence of OSA decreased from 3.1% at the age of 4 to 0.8% at age 12 and the severity decreased from a mean AHI 14.8 at 4 to a mean AHI of 1.95 at age 12. The minimum prevalence of snoring regularly was estimated to 4.2% at 12 years compared to 5.3% at 4, calculated for the original cohort of 644 children. The odds for a child who snored regularly at 4 or 6 years to be snoring regularly also at age 12 was 3.7 times greater than for a not snoring child in spite of surgery (OR 3.7, 95% CI 2.4–5.7). 63 children had undergone surgery due to snoring by age 12. 14 of them never snored and 17 snored regularly at the age 12. The dental arch was narrower in the children snoring regularly at 4, 6 and 12 years compared to not snoring children. Cross-bites were more common among snoring children than among non-snoring children, at 4 and 6 as well as at 12. Conclusion The prevalence of regular snoring is about the same from 4 to 12 years independent of surgery, but the prevalence of OSA decreased considerably. The children snoring regularly generally have a narrower maxilla compared to children not snoring. Surgery in young children is necessary but “cures” the snoring only temporary.

The prevalence of asthma in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea

Most of the studies that have explored the relationship between obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and asthma have focused on the prevalence of snoring and OSA symptoms in patients with asthma. This study was conducted to measure the reverse relationship - the prevalence of asthma in patients with diagnosed OSA. We assessed the prevalence of asthma in all patients diagnosed polysomnographically to have OSA during the study period. A logistic regression model was developed to assess the predictors for asthma in patients with OSA. Six-hundred-and-six patients with OSA with a mean age of 40+/-14.5 yr (66.7% males) were included. Asthma was present in 213 OSA patients - a prevalence of 35.1%. Body mass index (>35 kg/m2) was the only predictor of asthma. Physicians should keep in mind the link between OSA and asthma. When one of these disorders is diagnosed, clinicians should consider the possible presence of the other.

Habitual Snoring in Primary School Children: Prevalence and Association with Sleep-Related Disorders and School Performance

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of habitual snoring (HS) and its association with both day- and nighttime symptoms, school performance and behavioral disturbances in a sample of primary school children. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 1,605 children (819 boys and 786 girls) aged 7–13 years from 9 randomly selected primary schools located within the city limits of Isparta, Turkey. HS and sleep problems were assessed using a 55-item multiple-choice questionnaire. Results: Of the 1,605 questionnaires, 1,164 were fully completed and returned, giving a response rate of 72.5%. The overall prevalence of snoring was 38.9%, while HS accounted for 3.5%. The prevalence of HS among boys (25, 3.0%) was higher than among girls (16, 2.0%; χ² for trend: p < 0.001, OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.01–3.66). There was an association between younger age and HS, as children aged 7–8 years had the highest prevalence (χ² for trend: 0.054, OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 0.81–4.22). Habitual snorers had more daytime and nighttime symptoms. Allergic symptoms, daytime mouth breathing, shaking the child for apnea, restless sleep and hyperactivity were significant and independent risk factors and sleep-related symptoms for HS. A significant and independent association was found between poor school performance and hyperactivity, nocturnal enuresis, tooth grinding and low parental/maternal education in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Children with HS were more likely to have sleep-related daytime and nighttime symptoms. No significant associ- ation was determined between HS and poor school performance.

Epidemiology of sleep disorders in the elderly – A questionnaire survey

A questionnaire based survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of common sleep-related disorders in the elderly population of Delhi. The study population included in this analysis comprised 1240 grandparents of school-going children. The overall prevalence of SDB was 10.3%.; (9.9% in males and 10.8% in female subjects) It was found to correlate with increasing BMI (p< 0.064) The overall prevalence of snoring was found to be 41.4% (Males=41.6%, Females =41.2%). It correlated positively with body mass index (BMI) (p<0.033), age (p<0.076), and excessive daytime sleepiness (p<0.036). Habitual snoring was found to be prevalent in 27.2% of the elderly subjects and was found to correlate with BMI (p<0.03), and rising socio-economic strata (p<0.014). Approximately 41.5% of the elderly population was seen to suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness. It correlated significantly with lower socio-economic strata The overall prevalence of symptoms suggestive of restless leg syndrome was 14.3%. It was found to correlate significantly with BMI (p<0.018), and female gender (p<0.052) The overall prevalence of sleepwalking in the elderly population studied was 6.9%. It was found to correlate negatively with increasing BMI (p<0.041) and age and positively with rising socio-economic strata (p<0.076). The prevalence of nightmares in the elderly population studied was 21.7%. It was found to correlate inversely with age (p<0.019). Bruxism was observed to be present in 9.2% of the elderly population studied. It correlated significantly with rising socio-economic strata (p<0.017) and snoring (p<0.002). Approximately 8% of the entire elderly study population admitted that they consumed sleeping pills. Its use correlated with rising socio-economic strata (p<0.033) and symptoms suggestive of disorders of initiation & maintenance of sleep (DIMS) (p<0.072).

Epidemiology of sleep disorders in pregnant subjects: A questionnaire based survey

Introduction There are several changes which occur during the pregnant state that can impact directly or indirectly on breathing. A questionnaire based survey of sleep disorders amongst pregnant subjects attending a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi. Material & Methods The study was based on a questionnaire. It contained, besides personal identification of the subject, a set of 35 questions. In addition it also had the Epworth Sleep Questionnaire. A validated questionnaire for anxiety and depression was also used. Details of present pregnancy (parity, gravida, last menstrual period, expected date of delivery and period of gestation) was also recorded. The total number of pregnant subjects interviewed was 325. They were selected randomly from those attending the ante-natal clinic of Safdarjang Hospital & Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, New Delhi. Observations The overall prevalence of snoring was 13.5%. It correlated positively with depression (p<0.075) and gestation period (p<0.016). The overall prevalence of SDB was 9.5%. It correlated positively with gestation period (p<0.042) BMI (p<0.05) and disorders of initiation & maintenance of sleep (DIMS) (p<0.005) and depression (p<0.021). The overall prevalence of DIMS was 47.6%. The prevalence of DIMS was maximum in the third trimester; and it showed a positive correlation with rising gestation period. The overall prevalence of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) was 15.7%. It was most prevalent in age group 21-25 years (p<0.045). It showed rising trend with increase in gestation period (p<0.049), increasing parity (p<0.071) and decreasing hemoglobin concentration (p<0.047). The overall prevalence of depression was 11.4%. It correlated positively with increasing parity (p<0.045). The overall prevalence of anxiety was 18.1%. It correlated negatively with increasing age (p<0.057) & BMI (p<0.067) and positively with increasing gestation period (p<0.099). The overall prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) was 30.5%. It correlated negatively, with

BMI is an independent risk factor for snoring in Chinese women aged over 30 years

The study was designed to analyze body mass index (BMI) as one of risk factors for snoring in Chinese women. Totally, 2,938 women (2,423 available for evaluation of menstrual status) aged over 30 years from a population-based epidemiologic study were enrolled. For those with regular menstrual status, BMI was the main risk factor with OR 3.906 (BMI >or=25 kg/m(2)) and 8.467 (BMI >or=30 kg/m(2)), respectively, compared with those of BMI 20-25 kg/m(2) (p < 0.001). For postmenopausal women, BMI was also indicated as a risk factor with OR 2.041 (BMI >or=25 kg/m(2)) and 2.884 (BMI >or=30 kg/m(2)) compared with those of BMI 20-25 kg/m(2) (p < 0.01). As for different BMI, menopause was the only risk factor for women with BMI < 20 kg/m(2) (OR = 10.568, p < 0.05). Whereas for those with BMI between 20 and 25 kg/m(2), the risk factors included post-menopause, family history, drinking, etc. In conclusion, the prevalence of snoring was correlated with BMI independent of menstrual status, and lower BMI is a protective factor against snoring in premenopausal women.

Heavy Snoring: Time to Take it More Seriously?

WE ARE PLEASED THAT DRAGER AND LORENZI-FILHO1 RECOGNIZE OUR STUDY AS REPRESENTING AN EXCITING NEW AREA OF RESEARCH. A MAJOR CONCERN related to the title of our manuscript,2 “Heavy Snoring as a Cause of Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis.” We indeed hoped that the slightly provocative nature of this title might generate interest in a relatively novel hypothesis whereby snoring vibrations may contribute to the development of early carotid artery atherosclerosis. However, we agree that the demonstration of an independent association between snoring and carotid atherosclerosis in a cross-sectional study certainly does not establish a cause-effect relationship. Drager and Lorenzi-Filho1 are also concerned that our study did not exclusively involve patients with “primary snoring,” and included patients with OSA. This raises the important issue of how “primary snoring” is defined. There are no consensus guidelines, validated questionnaires, or measurements of snoring that define a “primary snorer.” Previous clinical studies have depended upon a snoring history (undefined characteristics) associated with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) below a certain threshold (Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine3 recommends an AHI of <10 events/hour). In addition, there are no agreed technical specifications during polysomnography for identification of snores, and no accepted rules for the scoring of snoring.4 As acknowledged by Drager and Lorenzi-Filho,1 an important strength of our current study is the quantification of snoring during polysomnography, which we believe was partially responsible for our ability to demonstrate an independent association between snoring and carotid atherosclerosis. It is clear that better standardized definitions, agreed technical specifications for snore measurement and scoring rules for snoring are urgently required for future research. In our study, we used a relatively liberal definition of hypopnea which did not require an oxygen desaturation.5 In contrast, the study of Marin et al6 as quoted by Drager and Lorenzi-Filho,1 defined simple snorers as having a history of reported snoring and an AHI <5 events/hour, but where all events were required to be accompanied by an oxygen desaturation of ≥4%. If this latter criterion were applied to our data,2 91% of participants would be classified as simple snorers. This figure rises to 96% if an AHI cut-off <10 events/hour is used. Consequently, the degree to which our study represents findings in “primary snorers” depends largely on the definitions employed. Finally, our logistic regression analyses all included the AHI, the arousal index, and the 3% oxygen desaturation index (together with snoring measures). In our patient population, none of these factors (apart from snoring) provided significant associations with carotid atherosclerosis.2 As discussed in our paper, this clearly supports an independent association between heavy snoring and carotid atherosclerosis in our population with minimal OSA, but does not exclude significant associations related to arousals and oxygen desaturation in other patient populations. Given the high prevalence of snoring in the community, it would now seem important to seek increased understanding of linkages between snoring and carotid vascular disease. We look forward to further clarifying studies and further challenges to current scientific hypotheses.

Heavy Snoring as a Cause of Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis

Previous studies have suggested that snoring and obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome may be important risk factors for the development of carotid atherosclerosis and stroke. However, it is not clear if snoring per se is independently related to the risk of developing carotid atherosclerotic plaque. Observational cohort study. Volunteer sample examined in a sleep laboratory. One hundred ten volunteers (snorers and nonsnorers with only mild, nonhypoxic obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome) underwent polysomnography with quantification of snoring, bilateral carotid and femoral artery ultrasound with quantification of atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular risk factor assessment. Subjects were categorized into 3 snoring groups: mild (0%-25% night snoring), moderate (> 25%-50% night snoring), and heavy (> 50% night snoring). N/A. The prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis was 20% with mild snoring, 32% with moderate snoring, and 64% with heavy snoring (P < 0.04, X2). Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent effect of snoring on the prevalence of carotid and femoral atherosclerosis. After adjustment for age, sex, smoking history, and hypertension, heavy snoring was significantly associated with carotid atherosclerosis (odds ratio 10.5; 95% confidence interval 2.1-51.8; P = 0.004) but not with femoral atherosclerosis. Heavy snoring significantly increases the risk of carotid atherosclerosis, and the increase is independent of other risk factors, including measures of nocturnal hypoxia and obstructive sleep apnea severity. Considering the high prevalence of snoring in the community, these findings have substantial public health implications for the management of carotid atherosclerosis and the prevention of stroke.

Primary snoring and obstructive apnea of childhood associated symptoms: prevalence, screening and familiar attitude

Primary snoring is characterized by absence of apneas. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by upper respiratory tract obstruction that alters ventilation and sleep. Permanent night snoring is the most important risk factor. To know the primary snoring prevalence and OSAS associated symptoms in children of Cordoba. To determine if physicians ask parents about this syndrome and if parents are encouraged to ask about it. Study design was cross-sectional, population was formed by children that assist to health centers of Cordoba, age ranged from 2 to 11 years. A survey was used to detect snoring presence and associated symptoms. Physicians administer the survey to parents and tutors. Snorer was classified in: permanent, usual, and rare snorer. 1541 survey, snoring prevalence of 9.47%. We compare the permanent snoring group (PS) against the others (US+RS). 55 children (37,67%) were permanent snorers. 51% present respiratory pauses. 13% was strongly moved during a pause. In 74,6% cases, snoring did not motivated physician visit and in 78,8% physician had not asked about snoring in the patient screening. We found similar prevalence of snorers than bibliography. 51% of snorer's parents observed respiratory pauses during sleep. Daily and nigthy symptoms presence related to snoring was associated with a meaningfully frequency to the permanent snorers group. It is remarkable the poor importance attributed to this syndrome by physicians and family. It is believed that because of this syndrome frequency, simple diagnosis and solution, physicians should ask about it in patient screening.

Clinical and polygraphic evolution of sleep-related breathing disorders in adolescents

It has been suggested that sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) involve a continuum that develops over the course of life. If modifiable factors could be identified, the progression of SRBD could perhaps be addressed early in life. Although some studies have looked at the evolution of SRBD in pre-pubertal children, very few studies obtained data in adolescents. Anthropometric, clinical and polygraphic variables were collected during a 4-yr follow-up study among 148 normal adolescents after initial cross-sectional analysis. From a total of 267 adolescents studied at baseline (mean+/-sd age 14.3+/-2.1 yrs), 148 (55.4%) were followed up for 4 yrs. During follow-up, there were no significant changes in snoring and polygraphic parameters. However, a tendency toward weight gain with centrally distributed fat was observed. Habitual snorers had a significantly higher body mass index and more centrally distributed fat than nonsnorers. Males had a higher snoring prevalence and a higher number of respiratory events than females. Snoring at baseline, male sex and poor academic performance were significant predictors of snoring at follow-up. Snoring tends to persist during adolescence and male sex acts as a risk factor. A relationship between snoring and academic performance was observed. These findings may have implications for long-term management of sleep-related breathing disorders.

All snoring is not adenoids in young children

To determine the prevalence of snoring in young children and to assess age, growth, previous surgery therapy, respiratory problems and sleep-related symptoms in relation to child's snoring, and to evaluate the relationship between child's snoring and parents' snoring and smoking. A cross-sectional study evaluated 2100 children 1-6 years of age in Helsinki, Finland. Child's frequency of snoring on a five-point scale (never to every night) and age, height, weight and body mass index, previous adenotonsillectomies, tympanostomies, allergic rhinitis and respiratory infections were determined as was frequency of parental snoring and smoking. Sleep problems were determined based on Finnish or Swedish modified version of the sleep disturbance scale for Children. Of the 2100 eligible children, 1471 (71%) returned questionnaires. Children always or often snoring numbered 92 (6.3%), sometimes snoring, 183 (12.4%), and never or occasionally snoring, 1196 (81.3%). No difference in age (p=0.06) or gender (p=0.39) existed between snorers and non-snorers. History of previous adenotonsillectomies (p<0.001), allergic rhinitis (p<0.001), recurrent respiratory infections (p<0.001), and otitis media (p<0.001) were more common among snorers than among occasional or never-snorers. Nocturnal symptoms such as breathing problems, sleep hyperhydrosis, sleep-wake transition disorders, and daytime somnolence were associated with children's snoring. Frequency of children's snoring was also associated with parental snoring (p<0.001) and smoking (p<0.001). Snoring is common among young children and is associated with previous adenotonsillectomy, allergic rhinitis, respiratory infections, nocturnal symptoms, and parents' snoring and smoking. The high prevalence of snoring among children with adenotonsillectomy raises the question whether adenotonsillectomy alone is adequate treatment for snoring in young children.

THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SNORING, DAYTIME SLEEPINESS AND OBESITY IN PROFESSIONAL WRESTLERS

Aim: To investigate the prevalence of snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness and other sleep symptoms in a group of professional wrestlers and to identify the risk factors of snoring in these subjects. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to 55 professional wrestlers and 44 age matched men. All subjects answered nine questions about their sleep and snoring habits and self-graded on a scale of 0 to 4. The questions were also related to demographic characteristics, Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) and general medical history. Results: There were no significant differences in age, smoking and alcohol intake between wrestlers and control subjects. Obesity (p=0.004) was significantly more common and neck circumference (p=0.004) significantly higher in wrestlers than in control subjects. Bed time were significantly early (p=0.006), wake time significantly late (p=0.014), total sleep time significantly higher (p<0.001) in wrestlers when compared to control subjects. Habitual snoring rated was reported by 9.1% of wrestlers and by 6.8% of control subjects (p>0.05). The prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness, witnessed apnea, morning headache, restless leg, insomnia, sleep talking, sleep walking and mean ESS were not significantly different in wrestlers when compared to control subjects. Conclusion: There were no significant differences with respect to habitual snoring, daytime sleepiness and ESS between wrestlers and control subjects. However, obesity and large neck circumference were much more common among wrestlers.

Epidemiology of Sleep Disorders in the Adult Population of Delhi: A Questionnaire Based Study

A questionnaire based survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of common sleep-related disorders in the adult population of Delhi. The questionnaire used for the purposes of this study was adapted from those by Chervin and the Stanford Sleep Clinic questionnaire. A total of 4000 questionnaires were distributed of which 2774 were received back. And finally 2475 questionnaires were selected for analysis as they satisfied all criteria for acceptance. A subgroup of 200 (a number that was considered to be statistically significant) adults were randomly selected from the total pool of adults that reported snoring and were then subjected to whole night in-lab supervised polysomnography. The overall prevalence of snoring was found to be 39.5% (Males = 49.5%, Females = 29%). The overall prevalence of Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) was 4.3%. Approximately 48.6% of the adult population was seen to suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness. The prevalence of symptoms suggestive of restless leg syndrome was 8.2% and was found to correlate significantly with BMI, rising age and female gender. The overall prevalence of sleepwalking in the adult population studied was 6%. The prevalence of nightmares in the adult population studied was 30.6% while bruxism was observed to be present in 9.2% of the adult population studied. Approximately 2.3% of the entire study population admitted that they consumed sleeping pills. Its use correlated significantly with rising socio-economic strata and symptoms suggestive of disorders of initiation and maintenance of sleep (DIMS). Approximately 10.7% of the study population responded affirmatively to have met with road traffic accident in the past few years and 28.1% of the adult population was observed to have complaints suggestive of disorders of initiation and maintenance of sleep. More than half the population under study was observed to be sleep-deprived (sleep time <8 hours per day); and 29.3% of them slept for less than seven hours. In this questionnaire-based survey, approximately 55% of the study population was observed to have some type of sleep-related disorder.

Prevalence of snoring and craniofacial features in Malaysian children from hospital-based medical clinic population

Snoring is considered as the most common clinical symptom of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. However, many snoring studies were done in western population, and data from around Asia is scarce. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to determine the prevalence of snoring among Malaysian children from hospital-based medical clinic population setting and to compare the craniofacial features of children with and without snoring using cephalometric analysis. A cross-sectional study among children aged 7-15 years were carried out in Hospital Kuala Terengganu. Sleep behavior questionnaire (Berlin questionnaire) was given to 500 children. The respondents were divided into snoring and non-snoring groups. Thirty children from each group were randomly selected to undergo a cephalometric X-ray. For each lateral cephalometric radiograph, 17 parameters consisting bony, soft tissue, and angular measurements were recorded using computer software VixWin2000. Independent t test was used to analyze the data. The results indicated that the whole questionnaire respondents were 317 (46 snoring and 271 non-snoring), hence, the prevalence of snoring in our survey population was 14.51%. The cephalometric X-ray showed that the snoring children manifested a significant different craniofacial features, such as narrow airway at the level of the soft palate and oropharynx (p < 0.05), more inferiorly positioned hyoid bone (p < 0.05), longer vertical airway length from posterior nasal spine to the base of epiglottis (p < 0.05), more protruding maxilla, and anterior-posterior discrepancy of maxilla and mandible (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our snorer children exhibit significant craniofacial differences compared to non-snorer groups.

Risk factors and correlates of snoring and observed apnea

Background and purpose Risk factors and correlates of snoring and observed apnea in the population are not well known. This study aimed to assess risk factors and correlates of snoring and observed apnea. Methods Parents and grandparents of students from 20 randomly selected primary schools in urban and rural areas of Kirikkale, Turkey were asked about respiratory diseases, psychological distress and sleep-related disorders, using the Respiratory Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale and Sleep Questionnaire, respectively, which were returned by their children. Results Out of 13,225 parents and grandparents of primary school students 12,270 returned the questionnaires, for an overall response rate of 92.7%. Snoring and the observed apnea were more prevalent among subjects from rural than those from urban areas (52.6% vs. 46.6%, odds ratio (OR): 1.2, p < 0.001 and 16.2% vs. 10.1%, OR: 1.7, p < 0.001, respectively). Exposure to biomass smoke and smoking were associated with an increased risk of snoring and observed apnea, after adjusting for gender, age, body mass index, income and education in the multivariate linear model. In all subjects, increases in performance ability, daytime sleepiness, psychological distress and dyspnea scores observed in categories indicating increases in snoring intensity and observed apnea frequency constituted a trend but did always not reach statistical significance. Lastly, prevalence of traffic accidents, falling asleep at the wheel and morning headaches increased with the increments of snoring intensity and apnea frequency. Conclusions Exposure to biomass smoke in rural areas may account for the higher prevalence of snoring and observed apnea. Snoring intensity and observed apnea frequency may increase prevalence of traffic accidents along with many unfavorable symptoms.

Snoring and breathing pauses during sleep in the Malaysian population

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of snoring and breathing pauses during sleep, and to assess associated factors, including morbidity and the impact on daytime functioning, in an adult Malaysian population. A cross-sectional survey of community-dwelling adults aged 30-70 years was conducted. Daytime sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Physical examinations were limited to measurements of body habitus and blood pressure. The sample consisted of 1611 adults (52.9% male). The prevalence of habitual snoring, breathing pauses and excessive daytime sleepiness were 47.3%, 15.2% and 14.8%, respectively. Seven per cent of respondents (8.8% male, 5.1% female) were clinically suspected to have obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). The independent predictors of habitual snoring were older age, Chinese or Indian ethnicity (compared with Malays), smoking, obesity and use of sedatives. Clinically suspected OSAS and habitual snoring were significantly associated with difficulty in getting up in the morning, morning headache, driving and workplace accidents, hypertension, and ischaemic heart disease. The prevalence of habitual snoring is high in the Malaysian population. Sleep-related breathing disorders in Malaysian adults are associated with significant morbidity.

Le ronflement habituel. Prévalence et facteurs de risque dans un échantillon de la population masculine française

As there are important differences in the prevalence of snoring in the literature we have studied this prevalence and the risk factors in a sample of the active male population of Lorraine. 850 men, aged 22 to 66 tears, volunteered for the study and completed a questionnaire on the frequency of snoring, their lifestyle and their personal and family histories. The usual anthropomorphic measurements were made together with a non-invasive examination of the upper airways. The prevalence of habitual snoring was 34.6%, increasing with age, weight and the derived indices. We identified, by logistic regression, the factors independently associated with habitual snoring in univariate analysis. These were age, weight, nocturnal nasal obstruction, a medical diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea, and hypertrophy of the soft palate and uvula. There was evidence that height had a protective effect but exercise activity did not appear to be significant. The 35% prevalence of habitual snoring in our sample of middle aged men is similar to other studies in the literature using the same methods. The present study confirmed that age, weight, girth, nasal obstruction and nasopharyngeal abnormalities are risk factors. The protective effect of height was a new finding not identified in previous studies.