While almost everyone snores on occasion, persistent snoring may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a common breathing condition that affects around 30 million people in the United States. Distinguishing between snoring and obstructive sleep apnea is essential because, if left untreated, sleep apnea can have long-term effects on a person’s health and quality of life.

Common Causes of Snoring

As a person drifts into sleep, a variety of changes happen in the body that affect breathing. Muscles in the head and neck naturally relax, the airway narrows, and a sleeper no longer consciously controls their breathing. Normally these natural changes don’t cause problems. Sometimes though, the airway can become too narrow and cause snoring or obstructive sleep apnea.

Snoring occurs when the airway is narrow enough that tissues flutter against each other during breathing. Numerous factors can contribute to airway narrowing and increase the risk of snoring. These include:

  • Being over 50 years old
  • Sleeping on the back 
  • Having certain physical features 
  • Obesity 
  • Nasal congestion or inflammation in the airway
  • Pregnancy 
  • Certain medications
  • Alcohol and tobacco 

Many of these same factors increase the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway narrows so much that it becomes prone to collapsing or becoming blocked during the night.

Is Your Snoring a Health Risk?

Answer three questions to take charge of troubled sleep.

Please select all options

Is Your Snoring a Symptom of Sleep Apnea? 

Snoring is a symptom that may or may not be observed by the affected individual or their bedparter. While loud and persistent snoring is often associated with obstructive sleep apnea, not everyone with OSA snores loudly or continuously . In adults, other signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea may include: 

  • Pauses in breathing during sleep 
  • Feeling sleepy during the day or falling asleep during activities 
  • Gasping or choking when waking up 
  • Recurrent morning headaches 

Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea often appear differently in children . In addition to persistent nighttime snoring, children may exhibit oppositional or challenging behaviors, have asthma that is difficult to control, or develop high blood pressure.

“The presence of snoring deserves to be looked into since it could be a red flag of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Many treatments are available for both snoring and OSA, and determining what you are dealing with is the first step to ensuring your long-term health and well-being are protected.”

Dr. Audrey Wells, Sleep Physician, CPAP Expert

Will Treating Sleep Apnea Reduce Snoring?

For people diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, treatment for nighttime breathing problems should reduce or eliminate snoring . The most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is positive airway pressure (PAP) delivered through a CPAP machine or similar device. A CPAP machine typically eliminates both snoring and obstructive sleep apnea by using air pressure to keep the airway open during sleep. 

Research shows that other treatments for obstructive sleep apnea can also reduce snoring, including the use of an oral appliance, surgery, and lifestyle changes like changing medications and reducing alcohol consumption. 

When to See a Doctor

Anyone concerned about snoring or sleep apnea should speak with a doctor, especially if snoring is accompanied by pauses in breathing during sleep or daytime tiredness. It is also important to contact a doctor if snoring occurs alongside weight gain or changes in thinking or memory.

Many people are unaware of changes in their breathing during sleep. For this reason, it may be helpful to ask bed partners, roommates, and others if they have noticed loud snoring or other symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.

Doctors can assess snoring and other symptoms, prescribe tests to diagnose sleep apnea, and recommend appropriate treatment.

Learn more about our Editorial Team

References
7 Sources

  1. Badr, M. (2023 September). Pathophysiology of upper airway obstruction in obstructive sleep apnea in adults. In N. Collup & G. Finlay (Ed.). UpToDate., Retrieved September 23, 2023, from

    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/pathophysiology-of-upper-airway-obstruction-in-obstructive-sleep-apnea-in-adults
  2. Schwab, R. J. (2022, May). Snoring. Merck Manual Consumer Version., Retrieved September 23, 2023, from

    https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/brain,-spinal-cord,-and-nerve-disorders/sleep-disorders/snoring
  3. A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia. (2023, July 8). Snoring – adults. MedlinePlus., Retrieved September 23, 2023, from

    https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000720.htm
  4. A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia. (2023, January 9). Obstructive sleep apnea – adults. MedlinePlus., Retrieved September 23, 2023, from

    https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000811.htm
  5. Paruthi, S. (2023, October 13). Evaluation of suspected obstructive sleep apnea in children. In R. Chervin & A. Hoppin (Ed.). UpToDate., Retrieved October 23, 2023, from

    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/evaluation-of-suspected-obstructive-sleep-apnea-in-children
  6. Wise, M. & Tapia, I. (2023, September 13). Assessment of sleep disorders in children. In R. Chervin & A. Hoppin (Ed.). UpToDate., Retrieved September 23, 2023, from

    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/assessment-of-sleep-disorders-in-children
  7. Brown, L. & Lee, W. (2023 September). Titration of positive airway pressure therapy for adults with obstructive sleep apnea. In N. Collup & G. Finley (Ed.). UpToDate., Retrieved September 23, 2023, from

    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/titration-of-positive-airway-pressure-therapy-for-adults-with-obstructive-sleep-apnea

Learn More About Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea Headaches

By Danielle Pacheco May 6, 2024

How Weight Affects Sleep Apnea

By Danielle Pacheco April 30, 2024

Sleep Apnea and Heart Disease

By Rob Newsom April 25, 2024

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

By Rob Newsom April 16, 2024

Aerophagia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

By Danielle Pacheco April 2, 2024

UPPP Surgery

By Rob Newsom April 2, 2024

Sleep Apnea Symptoms in Women

By Danielle Pacheco March 20, 2024

Sleep Apnea and COVID

By Eric Suni January 24, 2024