Two million people in Taiwan should be cautious! Snoring during sleep may conceal health risks; doctors reveal increased likelihood of three cardiovascular diseases
Snoring during sleep may indicate underlying health risks. Persistent snoring does not necessarily mean deep sleep; instead, it may be a warning signal from the body. Physicians point out that snoring is often caused by tissue vibrations generated when airflow passes through the upper airway. These vibrations may be transmitted through surrounding tissues and repeatedly affect adjacent blood vessels. Over time, frequent and prolonged vibrations may be associated with changes in vascular endothelium and alterations in vascular structure, potentially impacting cardiovascular health.
Dr. Chuang Li-Bang estimates that more than 2 million people in Taiwan are affected by sleep-related issues, with snoring being quite common.
Dr. Chuang Li-Bang, Chairman of the Taiwan Society of Sleep Medicine, stated that sleep disorders have gradually become a significant health concern that should not be overlooked. According to statistics, the prevalence of chronic insomnia in Taiwan is approximately 10.7%, with over 2 million people estimated to suffer from sleep problems. Among these, snoring is quite prevalent, yet most people still have limited awareness of its potential risks.
Professor Li Hsueh-Yu from the Taiwan Society of Sleep Medicine pointed out that snoring is very common in Taiwan, affecting about 35% of adults. The prevalence is higher in men (approximately 45%) than in women (about 25%), and it increases significantly in women after menopause, indicating a strong correlation with age and physiological changes. The primary cause of snoring is the reduction in muscle tone during sleep, especially in deep sleep stages, when the upper airway muscles relax and narrow the airway. As air passes through, it causes tissue vibrations that produce sound. Anatomically, about 70% to 80% of snoring originates from the soft palate and uvula followed by the base of the tongue (10% to 15%) and the lateral pharyngeal walls (5% to 10%), indicating that narrowing at different airway sites affects both the occurrence and characteristics of snoring.
He also noted that breathing patterns influence the severity of snoring. Compared to nasal breathing, mouth breathing is more likely to cause airway collapse and vibration, resulting in louder snoring sounds. This not only affects sleep quality but may also reflect increased airway resistance.
From a research perspective, significant progress has been made domestically and internationally in the acoustic analysis of snoring. By analyzing sound frequency and energy distribution, researchers can better understand the vibration characteristics of different parts of the airway. Dr. Li Kuo-Hsi, an attending physician in the Department of Otolaryngology at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, explained that airway obstruction at different locations may present distinct acoustic features—for example, low-frequency sounds are often associated with vibrations of the soft palate or uvula, mid-frequency sounds may originate from the tonsils or epiglottis, and high-frequency sounds may be related to the base of the tongue.
LARGAN Health AI-Tech held a product launch event, inviting representatives from the medical community to attend. Experts urge the public to remain vigilant and seek professional evaluation if they experience long-term snoring or poor sleep quality. (Photo provided by the company)
Dr. Li Li-Ang, Head of the Laryngology Division in the Department of Otolaryngology at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, also reminded that snoring not only affects sleep quality and daily interactions but may also be associated with various chronic conditions, including hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders. Recent studies suggest that certain snoring patterns may be linked to changes in the carotid arteries, and are increasingly regarded in clinical practice as an important health signal worth monitoring.
Professor Li Hsueh-Yu further noted that through the observation and analysis of snoring-related data, it may be possible to provide early risk indications before visible changes in blood vessels occur. He recommends that individuals who experience persistent snoring or poor sleep should remain alert and seek professional evaluation when necessary, in order to better understand their physical condition and incorporate it into effective health management.