Influence of age and gender on sleep bruxism and snoring in non‐apneic snoring patients: A polysomnographic study

The present study aimed to assess the influence of gender and age on snoring and sleep bruxism in non‐apneic snoring patients. Adult participants with clinical suspicion of snoring and with no other significant medical history were recruited. Single‐night video polysomnography was performed to detect snoring and sleep bruxism. Finally, 137 snoring non‐apneic participants were included. Statistical analysis of gender groups showed that the total snore index and snore train were significantly higher in men than in women. Men also presented severe bruxism, with significantly more frequent episodes and higher bruxism episodes index scores. The correlation analysis showed the presence of significant linear relationships in the supine sleep position between age and snore index, snore index in non‐rapid eye movement 2 (N2) sleep stage, and snore train. The analysis of groups separated according to the criterion of third age quartile showed that the average, maximum and minimum audio volume in the non‐supine sleep position was significantly higher in the older group. The analysis of groups separated according to the criterion of median age showed that the bruxism episode index and bruxism phasic episodes were significantly higher in the younger group. Thus, it can be concluded that both age and gender influence snoring and sleep bruxism. Snoring and sleep bruxism seem to be more intensive in men. Older patients seem to snore more in N2 sleep and the supine sleep position and present lower bruxism episodes, especially the phasic type. The results of the present study indicate the need for further research on this topic to establish the possible relationship between snoring and sleep bruxism.