Women Who Snore

Filed in archive Sleep Disorders on February 16, 2007

Snoring is considered by many to be a man's problem, or at least more prominent and dangerous for men. Not so. An estimated 19% of women also snore, and are just as prone to developing snoring related complications as are men. Sleep apnea, closely allied to snoring, can strike people of either sex.

Women, however, have their own complications with which to cope. A news story from Doctors Guide reports that snoring is also associated with high blood pressure in pregnancy, and high blood pressure leads to a more serious problem known as pre-eclampsia. There are indications that partial obstruction of upper airway passages may be the cause of the night time increase in blood pressure that causes the more serious pre-eclampsia.

A study reveals that women who snore are at an even greater risk of developing high blood pressure. Snoring interferes with the cardiovascular system because, if a person is not breathing properly, other involuntary systems, like heart rate and blood pressure are also affected.

I found more information n a web site called Ezine Articles:

Additionally, other elements contribute to high blood pressure in women that result to snoring. The rise of women smokers, weight, sleeping on backs, high cholesterol, hormones, and oral contraceptives are some of the known suspects. If snoring becomes excessive in women, medical advice should be sought. Hypertension and heart disease may complicate as a result to the reduction of oxygen in the blood.

If you snore or suffer from daytime sleepiness, talk to your doctor . Get help if you need it, especially if you're pregnant.