Men are more likely to snore than women, and the likelihood of snoring increases for both sexes as they get older. Alcohol consumption can also be a factor. In addition to being an annoyance to the listener, the snorer may not sleep well and may suffer from daytime drowsiness. A new procedure called Laser Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty, also referred to as L.A.U.P., removes the excess tissue which causes snoring. Approximately 40 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders.
Sleep apnea is one disorder that causes people to frequently stop breathing during sleep.
A physical obstruction in the throat that blocks air from flowing in and out of the lungs. This is called obstructive sleep apnea. The brain may not signal for you to breathe. This is called central sleep apnea. Or, there can be a mixture of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.