title: Simple snoring: not quite so simple after all?
abstract: Simple snoring (SS), in the absence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), is a common problem, yet our understanding of its causes and consequences is incomplete. Our understanding is blurred by the lack of consistency in the definition of snoring, methods of assessment, and degree of concomitant complaints. Further, it remains contentious whether SS is independently associated with daytime sleepiness, or adverse health outcomes including cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Regardless of this lack of clarity, it is likely that SS exists on one end of a continuum, with OSA at its polar end. This possibility highlights the necessity of considering an otherwise 'annoying' complaint, as a serious risk factor for the development and progression of sleep apnoea, and consequent poor health outcomes. In this review, we: 1) highlight variation in prevalence estimates of snoring; 2) review the literature surrounding the distinctions between SS, upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) and OSA; 3) present the risk factors for SS, in as far as it is distinguishable from UARS and OSA; and 4) describe common correlates of snoring, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and daytime sleepiness.
authors.affiliation: Northumbria Centre for Sleep Research, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
authors.forename: Vincent
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Deary
authors.affiliation: Northumbria Centre for Sleep Research, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
authors.forename: Jason G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Ellis
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Newcastle University, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
authors.forename: Janet A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.affiliation: Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Coulter
authors.affiliation: Northumbria Centre for Sleep Research, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Electronic address: nicola.barclay@northumbria.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Nicola L
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: Barclay
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D012913:Snoring / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology
keywords: Breathing; Habitual snoring; OSA; Obstructive sleep apnoea; Primary snoring; Simple snoring; Sleep; UARS; Upper airway resistance syndrome