Some Interesting Snoring Statistics

Measurements vary, but it is generally accepted that approximately 45% of normal adults snore occasionally, while around 25% of all adults snore habitually.

Approximately one third of all adults over the age of 30 are snorers. By middle age, that number reaches 40%. (Source: British Medical Journal, 1997)

According to the Vancouver Sleep And Breathing Center, snoring is approximately twice as frequent in males – although post-menopausal women are more likely to snore than pre-menopausal women and so the ratio diminishes somewhat as age increases. (Source: Vancouver Sleep and Breathing Center)

Numerous studies show that snoring is more likely in overweight persons, and the condition usually grows worse with age. It is extremely rare for snorers to stop snoring without some treatment or change of circumstances.

Over 10% of all children experience snoring occasionally (Source: Pediatrics) and approximately 5.6% of children are habitual snorers. (Source: Pediatrics)

Snoring affects 18-20% of infants, 7-13% of 2-8 year-old children, and 3-5% of older children. (Source: National Center on Sleep Disorder Research)

Sleep Apnoea (Sleep Apnea) (cessation of breathing) may be present in up to 40% of those adults who experience snoring. (Source: National Sleep Foundation)

The partner of an apnoea patient loses approximately one hour of sleep each night as a result of their partner’s snoring. (Deduced from the fact that studies have found effective treatment can increase a non-snoring partner’s sleep by this period each night.)(Source: The Mayo Clinic)

Not all individuals who snore have sleep apnoea.

Not all individuals with sleep apnoea snore.(Source: British United Provident Association)

Almost 85 percent of snorers exceed 38 decibels of sound, with loud snorers reaching as much as 90 decibels, which is equivalent to a loud yell.

The good news is that snoring apparently doesn't cause hearing loss. A study of over 200 sleep disorder patients in Canada found that the loudness of their snoring was not related to their hearing acuity. (Source: American Journal of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine)

There are in excess of 300 devices currently registered as cures for snoring. These vary from high-tech air pumping machines, through to specially shaped pillows, nasal sprays and dubious remedies which rely on mild electric shocks to stir the snorer. (If these latter ‘remedies’ work, it is probably because they keep the snorer awake! That’s hardly a satisfactory treatment – although the snorer’s partner might find it perfectly satisfactory.)

There is one fact that all sources agree on: If you snore, it is not something you can consciously control.