Snoring not only affects others but also causes many health problems.For example, one of the most obvious damage of snoring is to cardiovascular system. It may trigger angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmia, even sudden death at night. Besides, snorers who sleep for longer time have higher cancer risks.

Researchers found that longer sleep duration is associated with colorectal cancer, especially in overweight people or snorers. This is the study result from a test conducted on tens of thousands of males and females. Researchers categorized participants into 3 groups that consist of obese people,regular snorers and those who sleep over 9 hours per day. They found that there is a 1.4-times higher risk of developing cancer in people who sleep over 9 hours compared to the obese who only sleep for 7 hours daily, and a 2-times higher risk than snorers. Snorers who sleeps for 9 hours a day have much higher colorectal cancer risk than the one who sleeps for 7 hours.

Another study proved that for snorers with sleep apnea, the latter can drive tumor growth, increasing the risk of cancer mortality. People with mild snoring problem are 1.1 times more likely to die of cancer than those who sleep breathing, moderate snorers 2 times, and severe snorers up to 4.8 times.

Why do snorers sleeping for longer time have higher cancer risks? Oncologist from Clifford Hospital explained that snoring is the main symptom of sleep apnea, a disorder in which breathing is briefly and repeatedly interrupted during sleep. Those affected are always interrupted by snoring, and tend to sleep for longer time. But they will feel sleepy, tired and experience poor mental state and drowsiness after they get up the next day.

Therefore, snorers should watch out for sleep apnea. How is sleep apnea diagnosed? It can be detected by polysomnography (PSG) which is used to diagnose sleep disorders including sleep apnea. Through monitoring snorer’s brain waves, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rate, breathing, as well as the oxygen level in blood, etc, it can measure the frequency of sleep apnea, duration and pattern. Generally, it is performed in the evening to record nighttime sleep and set up according to the snorer’s sleeping problem and requirement. The whole examination process is pain-free and risk-free. Oncologist from Clifford Hospital suggested that it is preferable for snorers to have a sleep test for detection of sleep disorder.