Why Do We Snore More As We Get Older?

Snoring is not a breathing problem.  It has to do with your throat, and narrowing in your throat can cause snoring.  This happens more as we age for several reasons.  One, we usually put on weight, and if we gain weight in the neck area, breathing at night becomes more difficult. (the space that the air goes through narrows.)   The reflexes that keep the throat open relax when we sleep. Also, women tend to snore more as they age because of the hormonal changes in their body.

Over the past six months, Ron has been complaining of my "snoring."  He says it's really not snoring, but a little puff of air that escapes from my mouth.  This wakes him up, so for all intents and purposes, it's snoring.  I went to the doctor and he gave me an oxometer to wear overnight.  The oxometer measures the amount of air you are taking in, and lets you know  if you stop breathing.  You want your oxygen level to be 90 or more.  Apparently my level was not what it should be, as the doctor has now referred me to a specialist.  I will await the results of further tests.

The bottom line is that additional weight, especially around the neck, leads to snoring.  If you are waking frequently during the night and are not rested in the morning, there is need for concern, and you should probably check it out.  I'll keep you posted on the final outcome of my snoring.  It won't be for a while, as I have to wait until mid January to see the doctor.