All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Scientists have found a link between snoring and the development of cancerous tumors
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
American researchers conducted a large-scale study that lasted for almost five years. Over five thousand volunteers of different age groups and genders took part in the experiment. All participants were healthy at the beginning of the experiment and had no suspicion of having oncological problems.
The specialists conducted observations and analyzed the information obtained over a long period of time. The results of the study revealed that those participants who suffered from snoring and apnea syndrome were at risk of developing malignant tumors.
Sleep apnea increased the risk of developing cancer more than twice as much as those who slept without snoring or holding their breath during the night. Scientists explained that snoring and holding their breath provoke a deficiency of oxygen supply to the heart tissue and brain. It has already been proven that people who snore loudly often suffer from myocardial infarctions or strokes.
The researchers conducted diagnostics on 100 thousand patients. They were additionally asked the same question: are there cases of snoring during sleep, was there apnea? The specialists were also interested in the possibility of developing depression in the participants. The questions were indicated in a specially designed questionnaire, which was filled out by all subjects.
Having analyzed and compared the information obtained, the scientists came to a certain conclusion: those patients who had cases of snoring five nights a week or more often had an increased risk of developing cancer and depressive states, in contrast to participants who slept peacefully.
Researchers suggest that oxygen deficiency in tissues (in particular, in the brain) can lead to the development of depression and oncology. Therefore, they recommended that medical workers who diagnose sleep apnea pay attention to the content of tumor markers, as well as the psychological state of patients.
For a long time, sleep apnea syndrome was not perceived by doctors as it should be. Many people lost their health without suspecting that this phenomenon could be the cause.
Additional studies have shown that at least 10% of men aged 40-60 suffer not only from snoring, but also from breath holding during sleep. According to statistics, every hour one person dies from apnea itself or from its consequences.
What does this mean? If the problem is detected in time, it can help prevent up to 10 thousand deaths annually. After all, sleep apnea syndrome is treatable if it is started in time.
The patient himself is unlikely to be able to detect this syndrome. It is worth asking the opinion of family members - after all, they are the ones who "listen" to the main symptoms of the disease every night: loud snoring, breath holding during sleep. A certain drowsiness during the day is also characteristic, because the patient's body cannot fully rest.
If you have such symptoms, do not delay your visit to a specialist.
[