Approximately 30 percent of women snore – even though very few women think they do. Snoring can be caused by sleep deprivation as well as other health problems. If you think that snoring is something only middle-aged men do, it may be time to think again – and take steps to find out why your wife snores snore and what to do about it.

Have a spouse who snores? You are not alone!

One-third of the National Sleep Foundation’s?poll respondents reported they are regularly disturbed by a partner’s snoring. This can cause cumulative sleep deprivation for both partners, which can lead to irritability, anxiety, depression, fatigue behind the wheel, memory and attention problems, performance problems at work, and more. Whether your husband snores or your wife snores, whenever there is snoring during sleep, there are two people whose health is at risk.

What causes snoring?

There are many different potential causes for snoring. Some of the most common causes of snoring include:

• obstructed nasal passageways (sinuses)
• poor muscle tone in the throat and tongue
• bulky throat tissue (such as enlarged tonsils or excess fatty tissue in the throat and neck area)
• a long soft palate and uvula (the tissue that hangs down at the very back of the mouth at the entrance to the throat)
• Sleep apnea

Your body could be trying to tell you something!

Sleep apnea is a dangerous health condition that causes a person to stop breathing for up to 10 seconds or more many times during sleep. If the cease in breathing is significant enough, sleep apnea can be fatal. Snoring is a common warning sign that your may have a problem with sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is correctible by use of a CPAP machine which helps to regulate your airflow during sleep. Nasal appliances such as Provent ?or orthodontics are also effective sleep apnea and snoring treatments.

For partners – male or female – who snore regularly, loudly, or both, it may be beneficial to ask your dentist for a referral to a sleep specialist who can check for the presence of sleep apnea.

Find out more about sleep apnea and snoring

By understanding the prevalence of snoring in men and women and associated the health risks, you can take steps to control your snoring right away to protect your health and the health of your partner.

If you would like to learn more about sleep apnea, download my free e-book, “A Sleep Disorder can Kill You”.