Snorers Encouraged To Wake Up To Danger Signs
Sleep disorders specialist Professor Colin Sullivan, from Sydney University, is researching the effects of diet and exercise on sleep quality and intends to expand the work.
Prof. Sullivan said a condition called sleep apnoea was a pronounced form of snorting, where sleepers choked on their tongue and soft palate.
He said sleepers did not get air in and out of their lungs, even though they were trying to breathe. This might happen for 20-30 seconds then they are roused by a falling blood oxygen level.
“Any heavy snorer will have a few of these events each night.
“But then around 9 per cent of adult males have repeated obstructions, up to 40-50 an hour.”
Prof. Sullivan said repeated sleep interruptions made these people sleepy during the day and long-term snoring and sleep apnoea could cause high blood pressure.
Women and children could also be affected but it was less common than in men.
Sleep apnoea increased the risk of heart attack and stroke, promoted a disease called atherosclerosis, or blocking of the arteries.
Prof. Sullivan said healthy eating and exercise were messages from the last century and healthy sleeping was a message for the new one.
Ways to tackle sleep apnoea included weight loss, modifying alcohol use, and using a sleep mask designed by Prof. Sullivan.
(info from http://www.examiner.com.au/story.asp?id=292227)