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Normative data on snoring: a comparison between younger and older adults
R A Stoohs1, H C Blum, M Haselhorst
1Dortmund Sleep Disorders Clinic and Research Center, Germany.
The European Respiratory Journal
|April 29, 1998
Summary
Younger adults report less snoring than older adults, but objective measurements show students have more continuous snoring. Age impacts snoring perception and type.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Gerontology
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Snoring is a common sleep behavior linked to increased BMI, craniofacial features, and age.
- Previous studies primarily focused on middle-aged populations regarding snoring and sleep-related breathing disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare subjective snoring reports and objective snoring measurements in young adults (college students) and older adults.
- To investigate age-related differences in snoring patterns and the correlation between perceived and recorded snoring.
Main Methods:
- A study involving two age groups: college students (n=155) and older adults (mean age 64.1 yrs, n=134).
- Snoring was objectively measured using a validated recording device.
- Subjective snoring and sleep information were collected via a validated questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Students reported less frequent snoring (83% "never" or "rarely") compared to older subjects (35%).
- Objective data showed students spent more sleep time with continuous snoring than older subjects.
- Older subjects exhibited more apnoeic snoring as continuous snoring decreased; subjective-objective snoring correlation varied by age.
Conclusions:
- Snoring frequency and patterns differ significantly between young and older adults.
- Age influences the accuracy of self-reported snoring compared to objective measurements.
- Family history of snoring affects self-reported, but not objectively measured, snoring frequency.