Early Life Environment and Adult Snoring
Author Information
Author(s): Franklin Karl A, Janson Christer, Gíslason Thórarinn, Gulsvik Amund, Gunnbjörnsdottir Maria, Laerum Birger N, Lindberg Eva, Norrman Eva, Nyström Lennarth, Omenaas Ernst, Torén Kjell, Svanes Cecilie
Primary Institution: Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden
Hypothesis
Is early life environment associated with snoring in adulthood?
Conclusion
Environmental factors such as severe airway infections in childhood, recurrent otitis, exposure to dogs as newborns, and growing up in large families are linked to snoring in adulthood.
Supporting Evidence
- 18% of respondents reported habitual snoring.
- Hospitalization for respiratory infection before age 2 was linked to increased odds of snoring.
- Recurrent otitis in childhood was associated with higher rates of adult snoring.
- Growing up in a large family correlated with increased snoring in adulthood.
- Exposure to a dog at home as a newborn was related to higher odds of snoring.
Takeaway
If you had certain experiences as a child, like being sick a lot or having a dog, you might snore when you grow up.
Methodology
A questionnaire was sent to 21,802 individuals aged 25-54, with 16,190 responding, assessing snoring frequency and early life environmental factors.
Potential Biases
Potential residual confounding from unmeasured variables.
Limitations
Recall bias may affect the accuracy of childhood environment assessments.
Participant Demographics
Men and women aged 25-54 from Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Denmark, and Estonia.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.01–1.59
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website