Snoring Women - The Unspoken Word

by Greg Wesson

It’s an interesting subject – one which many women struggle to discuss, or even address. So, we thought we would share a little about this with you today…

Yep – Snoring!

This is NOT just a problem amongst men. In fact, research shows that up to 40% of women also snore, at some point in their lives (1). A study conducted in Sweden found there to be no difference in the intensity of snoring between the sexes. Moreover, the results concluded that women tend to downplay their snoring, actually under-reporting their cases, as well as the loudness of their snoring.

Factors that Attribute to Women Snoring

Snoring can be caused by various factors, such as:

pregnancy,
hormonal changes (menopause),
weight gain,
hypothyroidism
alcohol consumption,
allergies & nasal congestion,
certain medications or,
the anatomy of a person’s mouth and throat (2,3,4,5).

During child rearing years, sleep deprivation can also play a significant role. Snoring can also be a sign of a more sinister condition, better known as sleep apnea, a condition when one physically stops breathing for a few seconds during sleep (3,1,6).

Potential Health Issues

It is now well-documented that snoring can affect one's health and well-being in many ways. Besides the obvious issue of fatigue, snoring can lead to high blood pressure, lead to heart problems, cause headaches and poor concentration (3,5,6). Snoring can also affect one’s relationship. In fact, a UK study has indicated that 1 in 6 couples have considered separating over one partners persistent snoring.

Snoring Solutions

So - what can you do to stop snoring? Well, there are definitely lifestyle changes that can help, such as: losing weight, avoiding alcohol before bed, sleeping on your side, or treating your allergies (5,1). Talk to your doctor about medications prescribed. Then there are a number of devices marketed, which can help.

SnoreMeds anti-snoring mouthpieces have been on the market for around 20 years. Tested in Sleep Clinics, SnoreMeds have been proven successful for up to 85% of snorers. An MAD (Mandibular Advancement Device) has proven to be amongst the most successful devices known to reducing, even preventing snoring. However, it is important to note that MAD’s do not work for everyone. Some people suffer a condition known as “gag reflex” when having a mouthpiece fitted.

SnoreMeds Smaller Fit for Women

Through our research, the SnoreMeds team have developed a smaller mouthpiece, essentially for women. However, the smaller sized mouthpiece is perfect for people who have a narrow palette. The smaller mouthpiece is shorter and also narrower than the standard mouthpiece, eliminating much of this gag reflex experience for our customers.

Other Options Available

However, there are other devices available, some of which may suit an individual’s personal snoring experience or needs. These include: chin straps, tongue retainers, magnetic nose clips, nasal dilators, nose vents, as well as a number of electronic devices and apps, aimed at reducing or preventing snoring. In extreme cases, a CPAP machine might be the solution (5,1). However, if you have severe snoring or suffer from sleep apnea, we highly recommend you consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
We hope this story has helped you understand more about snoring in women and how to deal with it? If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us via email. And don’t forget to like our SnoreMeds FaceBook page for more stories like this. Thank you for reading! 😊

1: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/snoring/what-causes-snoring-in-females
2: https://snoringmouthpiecereview.com/articles/what-causes-snoring-in-females
3: https://back2sleep.eu/blogs/news/ronflement-chez-la-femme
4: https://www.sleepcycle.com/snoring/the-social-stigma-of-snoring-among-women/
5: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/snoring/symptoms-causes/syc-20377694
6: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/snoring
7: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/women-sleep/menopause-and-sleep