Table 3

Prevalence of snoring, sleep apnoea and sleep apnoea syndrome in males

StudyAgeHabitual snoring (%)Sleep apnoea (%)Sleep apnoea + EDS (%)Significant sleep apnoea syndrome (%)Remarks
Lavie et al(1983)4 ⩾210.9Selection bias? Industrial workers
Gislason et al(1988)9 30–6915.6 21.310/15 with desaturations. Selection bias?
Cirignotta et al(1989)10 30–6910.9 4?Selection bias?
Stradling et al(1991)5 35–6523 50.3Oximetry as screening tool
Jennum et al(1992)6 30–6019.110.91.9?Plethysmography as screening tool
Young et al(1993)8 30–6044244?Selection bias? State employees
Bearpark et al(1993)7 40–65 8.5?MESAM 4 as screening tool
Present study⩾3522 1.70.90.45Thermistry as screening method
  • EDS = excessive daytime sleepiness