Key Snoring Statistics:
- 25% of people globally snore on a regular basis.
- About 90 million people in the US are aware that they snore.
- People who are partners of snorers might lose more than 1 hour of sleep every night.
- Women tend to have snoring episodes of about 17 minutes, while men have snoring episodes of about 24 minutes.
- Only 59% of snorers are aware that they snore.
- Sleep apnea is seen in about 3 in 10 people who snore.
- Men are more likely to snore than women, with about 40% of men reporting that they snore.
- Middle-aged and older people are the most likely age group to snore.
- Children are the least likely age group to snore, with only 5.6% snoring regularly.
Surprising Snoring Statistics
How many people snore?
- 25% of people globally snore on a regular basis.
- About 90 million people in the US are aware that they snore.
- About 40% of men in the United States say that they snore.
- About 30% of women in the United States say that they snore.
The number of people who snore can be difficult to calculate. Many people are not aware that they snore until a friend or partner tells them. Studies show that 30% of women say they snore regularly in the US, but only 24% of women make a habit of snoring.
On the other hand, 40% of men say that they snore. Researchers also believe that only 59% of people are aware that they snore. That means that about 4 in 10 people who snore have no idea that they do.
According to surveys, at least 90 million people in the United States occasionally snore. You're also more likely to snore when you get older. Heavier people have a higher chance of snoring. In countries where there are fewer overweight people, there may be a similar reduction in the number of people who snore.
Average snoring time per night
- Episodes of snoring usually last around 22 minutes each.
- The average number of snoring episodes for Americans is 2.7 times a night.
- Women tend to have snoring episodes of about 17 minutes, while men have snoring episodes of about 24 minutes.
- Men snore an average of 2.8 times a night, while women snore 2.3 times a night on average.
Many people believe that snoring only occurs during deep sleep. But this isn't actually the case! You can snore during any stage of sleep. The sound is caused by the vibrations of your uvula and soft palate. Some people report that they accidentally wake themselves up with the sound of their own snoring.
Research indicates that the average episode of snoring for Americans lasts around 22 minutes. For men, periods of snoring last a little over 24 minutes, while women have periods of snoring that last a little over 17 minutes.
Women also have fewer episodes of snoring every night. Studies indicate that women who snore do so for an average of about 2.3 times a night, while men snore about 2.8 times a night. The average number of times that Americans snore across both genders is a little under 2.7.
How many decibels is snoring?
- An average snore ranks anywhere between 50 and 65 decibels.
- The loudest snore ever recorded was 111.6 decibels by Jenny Chapman, a British woman.
- Some people snore at decibel levels of up to 90, which is equivalent to a lawnmower or power tools.
- Noise above 70 decibels for long periods of time can cause hearing damage, so loud snoring can be bad for your health.
A typical snore will rank somewhere between 50 and 65 decibels. However, there are some people who snore much more quietly or more loudly. The average snore is the same noise level as a conversation or a typewriter. Slightly louder snores might be in the range of a sewing machine.
Once sounds get to 70 decibels or more, they have the potential to damage your hearing. They are most likely to cause hearing damage when people are exposed to them for prolonged periods of time without ear protection. If you or your partner snores loudly, it's a good idea for both of you to sleep with earplugs for protection.
It's uncommon, but not unheard of, for snoring to get as loud as 90 decibels. At this level, prolonged episodes can cause serious damage. This noise is similar to a lawnmower, heavy traffic with trucks, or loud power tools. You know how people wear ear protection when using a riding lawnmower? This is the same principle!
The world record for the loudest snore belongs to Jenny Chapman, a British woman. Her husband complained that sleeping beside her was difficult due to the snoring. She was recorded snoring at over 111 decibels, which is even louder than a jet plane nearing the ground! It's no wonder her husband had trouble sleeping.
Chapman was 60 years old upon setting the record in 2009. It's possible that there are people out there who snore more loudly than she does, though. As mentioned, many people aren't even aware they snore in the first place. And for those that are, most of them will never record themselves with a sound measuring device for comparison.
What percentage of people snore?
- About 45% of people report that they have snored occasionally sometime in their lives.
- About 25% of people report that they regularly snore.
- In the US, 37% of adults report that they snore several times per week or more.
- Around 24% of women snore on a regular basis, while 40% of men do.
There is quite a range of snoring percentages based on different demographics. You'll find different levels of snoring in different age groups, genders, and weights.
Studies show that nearly half of the global population will snore at some point. About 45% of people experience snoring sometime in their lives. That's a major concern, since snoring isn't a normal sleep experience. Not only can it degrade your quality of sleep, but it can also be a sign of more serious health problems.
Studies also show that about 1 in 4 people snores regularly. While sleep apnea is not seen in every snorer, it is extremely common. Many people might have sleep apnea without even knowing it. If you do snore, there's a greater chance that you'll experience obstructive sleep apnea at some point.
Around 90 million people in the US report that they snore sometimes. While people of any gender can snore, men do so more frequently than women. In fact, about 4 in 10 men say that they snore on a regular basis.
Of those 90 million people who snore sometimes, 37 million of them snore regularly. If you snore on a regular basis, your chances of sleep apnea and heart disease are significantly higher than if you only snore once in a while. Some people only snore when they have a cold or allergies.
About 37% of people surveyed by the National Sleep Foundation in the US stated that they snore more than once a week. Some of them snored with even more frequency than that. On top of those who snore occasionally, 27% of respondents said that they snore every single night or nearly every single night.
Only about 24% of women, or around 1 in 4, snore on a regular basis. But that goes up to 40% of men. Men also tend to snore for longer periods of time, and they are more likely to say that they snore a few times a week.
When women snore, they tend to be heavier and shorter than women who don't snore. Similarly, overweight people are at a higher risk of snoring. Pregnant women have a higher likelihood of snoring as well. That's because of a combination of weight gain and congestion.
Snoring associated with pregnancy is normal and doesn't usually have bad health complications. But it is sometimes linked with sleep apnea, high blood pressure, or gestational diabetes.
Less than 60% of people who snore actually claim to snore. Many people aren't aware that they snore because they have never been told. Some people also don't believe their partners or friends when they're told that they snore.
General Stats and Facts About Snoring
- Snoring is typically an indicator that there is some kind of health problem at play.
- Snoring is common, with up to 30% of women and over 40% of men saying that they snore regularly.
- Snoring becomes worse with alcohol consumption.
- Heart issues and sleep apnea are common in people who snore.
While snoring is an extremely common thing, it isn't considered normal. It can be an indicator that you have issues like heart disease or sleep apnea. Snoring too often can increase your risk of having a stroke.
Sometimes people snore because they have a cold or allergies. That's fairly common, and it isn't cause for concern. But constant snoring is a greater cause for concern because of its association with adverse health effects.
Consuming alcohol or other depressant substances also has the potential to make snoring worse. You might snore more loudly or frequently.
Sometimes people who don't snore will start snoring after having alcohol. The problem is that depressants relax the muscles in your throat, causing air to vibrate more seriously through your uvula and soft palate.
Snoring and Relationships
- People who are partners of snorers might lose more than 1 hour of sleep every night.
- Snoring is the 3rd most commonly cited cause for divorce in the US.
- The term SUS, or socially unacceptable snoring, refers to snoring that causes relationship problems.
- About two-thirds of adults in the US report that their partner snores at least occasionally.
You'll probably be shocked to find out just how much snoring can affect a person's relationships. Snoring can cause serious issues due to sleep deprivation. One study indicated that people lose over an hour of sleep every night when they have a partner who snores.
Snoring is the third most common cause that people cite for divorce. Couples report that they often fight about snoring. While this may seem absurd, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Quality of sleep is one of the most important elements of wellness. When people aren't getting enough sleep, they are more likely to be irritable, short-tempered, impatient, and irrational. It's also harder to control your emotions while sleep deprived.
Psychologists have created the term SUS, or socially unacceptable snoring, to describe how snoring can make relationships suffer. Snoring can sometimes be a source of shame and ongoing frustration for people.
If the couple is unable to resolve this conflict, it might lead to other conflicts in the relationship. The issue is often a breakdown of communication.
Many couples choose to sleep separately because of problems with snoring. This is a great solution if it works for you. As long as all parties are communicating properly, there's nothing wrong with separate bedrooms. But some couples might find that sleeping separately makes it difficult to be intimate or spend time together.
Studies done in the UK show that up to 90% of those who sleep with a snorer struggle to achieve REM sleep. They may also be more likely to be jolted out of REM sleep. Women whose partners snore are 300% more likely to develop symptoms of insomnia than women whose partners don't snore.
Two in three adults in the US say that their partner snores. More than half of people who sleep with someone who snores say that the snoring has negative effects on their wellbeing. About 40% of people responding to the same survey said that snoring had an effect on their overall mood.
Fortunately, there are some remedies that you can try. A snorer might use nasal strips or a mouth guard to position their jaw slightly forward. If they have sleep apnea, they may use a CPAP machine. This machine sends pressurized air into the lungs, keeping the airway open and preventing snoring.
There are also things that the partner can do. You might consider wearing earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to sleep. That goes especially if your partner snores at over 70 decibels, as this volume can damage hearing over time. If you're comfortable with it, you might consider sleeping in a separate bedroom from your partner.
Snoring and Age
- About 3 in 10 people over the age of 30 snore on a regular basis.
- Once men reach the age of 70, they are less likely to snore.
- Around one-third of older adults snore several times per week.
- Around 1 in 10 children snore, but less than 6% of children snore on a regular basis.
Studies seem to indicate that people snore more as they age. The age group with the largest percentage of snorers is those aged 40 to 70. Meanwhile, the lowest percentage of snorers is in children, where only 10% snore on occasion. Fewer than 6% of children snore on a regular basis.
One interesting fact is that once men reach the age of 70, they seem less likely to snore. There are fewer men above 70 who snore than men between the ages of 40 and 70. Researchers aren't exactly sure why this is. One theory is that men who snore have other health complications, so they're less likely to live to 70.
About a third of adults between the ages of 55 and 84 snore several times a week. But only about 1 in 10 children will snore at all during childhood.
Childhood snoring is sometimes a sign of sleep apnea. But some children snore because they have a cold or allergies. You might notice that your child snores during allergy season but not at other times of the year.
It is unusual for children to snore regularly. If your child does, there may be something wrong. You should monitor your child for signs of sleep apnea like restlessness, snorting, and noticeable pauses in your child's breathing. Talk to your child's doctor if you're concerned.
One study in California showed that 30% of university students snore. The same study indicated that Asian students snore more than students of other ethnicities, though this finding has yet to be backed up by other research.
Common Causes of Snoring
- About 70% of people who snore say that they have a genetic predisposition toward snoring due to their family history.
- Snoring is more common in people who are overweight.
- Sleeping on your back can increase your likelihood of snoring.
- Alcohol and depressants increase your potential to snore, and they can also make regular snoring even louder.
Negative Effects of Snoring
- People who snore are more likely to be foggy and sleepy throughout the day, making it difficult to concentrate.
- If you snore regularly, your risk of developing heart disease is 5 times higher than if you only snore once in a while.
- People who snore regularly have a higher risk of high cholesterol, hypertension, stroke, and developing type 2 diabetes.
- Heart disease of some kind is extremely common in people who snore, especially compared to those who don't.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
- Around 1 in 2 people with loud snoring also have sleep apnea.
- Nearly 3 in 4 people who snore regularly might have sleep apnea.
- Up to 95% of people who have obstructive sleep apnea snore on a regular basis.
- Around 3 in 10 people who snore occasionally or regularly also have sleep apnea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age group snores the most?
- Middle-aged people are most likely to snore, with about 40% of this population snoring regularly.
- About 30% of people over the age of 30 snore occasionally or regularly.
- Children are the least likely to snore, and sleep apnea is often responsible for regular snoring in this age group.
- Men are more likely to snore than women at all ages, but they become less likely to snore once they reach age 70.
What percentage of males snore?
- About 40% of men are reported to snore on a regular basis.
- Men between the ages of 40 and 70 are the most likely to snore.
- Less than 30% of men over the age of 70 snore.
Should you wake a snoring person?
- If a person snores regularly, it's not a good idea to wake them up when they snore.
- If a person snores due to sleep apnea, you should rouse them when they start to snore.
- A person with sleep apnea will often sleep better on their side than their back.
- You can also arrange the pillows to reduce symptoms of sleep apnea.
Conclusion
You might be surprised by how many people snore around the world. We hope you know more about snoring and its causes now!