9. Male Physiology: The Gendered Symphony
Men are generally more prone to snoring than women, and this predilection is not just a stereotype. It’s rooted in physiological differences that affect the airway and breathing.
Men typically have a narrower airway than women, which means less room for air to travel through. This narrow passage increases the likelihood of vibrations, leading to the orchestration of snoring. Understanding this anatomical difference is crucial in acknowledging why men are often louder snorers.
Men and women store fat differently. Men tend to accumulate fat around the neck and abdomen, both of which can contribute to snoring.
The fat around the neck narrows the airway, and abdominal fat can affect diaphragm movement, thereby impacting breathing. Being aware of these gender differences in fat distribution can guide lifestyle and intervention choices.
Testosterone, predominant in men, has been linked to the development of a type of fatty tissue in the airway that contributes to snoring. In contrast, the female hormone progesterone acts as a respiratory stimulant, potentially offering women some protection against snoring. Recognizing the hormonal influence on snoring can help in developing gender-specific interventions.
As women age and enter menopause, the protective effect of progesterone diminishes. This reduction, combined with the natural ageing of muscles, can make older women more prone to snoring, narrowing the gender gap in snoring prevalence. Tailoring interventions to the unique needs of ageing women can address this shift in snoring dynamics. (9)
