Exploring the dynamics of snoring in relation to sleep stages: Implications for gender differences, sleep position, and upper airway collapsibility.

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the sleep stage during which isolated snoring occurs in children and adults, and to analyze changes after treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).MethodsThis retrospective study examined duration of snoring time and respiratory events during each sleep stage in adults and children who underwent polysomnography, had an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ResultsSnoring time was shown to be predominant during N3 and N2 sleep and less dominant during REM sleep in both children (n = 47) and adults (n = 93). These results were seen even in children with REM dependency. The percentage of snoring time during N3 sleep was more pronounced in women than in men among young adult patients aged ConclusionsSnoring presented exclusively during the N3 sleep stage, especially in young women with mild OSA, and in children with OSA, especially in the non-supine position. Snoring time during N3 sleep increased during OA treatment for OSA.