What is snoring? And when should you be concerned about it?

Snoring is a sound produced when the upper airway is partially obstructed during sleep. This sound occurs due to the vibration of soft tissues in the upper airway as air passes through. Snoring is considered common, especially among older adults and individuals who are overweight. In many cases, snoring may be merely a nuisance to the sleeper or their partner, but it can also be an indicator of a more serious health condition, such as obstructive sleep apnea [2].

When is snoring a cause for concern?

Snoring becomes a cause for concern when it is severe and leads to frequent awakenings during the night, or feeling extremely tired and sleepy during the day. If you wake up gasping for air or feel that your sleep is not refreshing, these are signs that warrant consulting a doctor [2]. Lack of quality sleep can affect overall health, safety, and quality of life, and increases the risk of developing serious conditions such as depression, diabetes, and heart disease [1].

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

One of the most serious conditions that snoring may indicate is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). In this condition, breathing stops repeatedly during sleep. This disorder can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the blood and increases strain on the heart. Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include loud snoring, frequent pauses in breathing during sleep (often noticed by a partner), waking up gasping for air, and excessive daytime sleepiness [1].

Diagnosing Snoring and Sleep Apnea

To diagnose the cause of snoring and determine if it is related to sleep apnea, a doctor may recommend a sleep study, also known as polysomnography. This test measures and records various body functions during sleep, including breathing rate, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, brain waves, leg movements, and eye movements [1]. A sleep study can be performed in a hospital, a sleep clinic, or even at home using special devices [1].

Sleep study results typically include the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), which measures the number of apnea episodes during sleep. If you have more than five episodes per night, it is likely that you have sleep apnea [1]. The Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI) is also measured, which tracks the number of times your oxygen level drops during sleep; oxygen levels falling below 90% are considered abnormal [1].

Practical Steps and Treatment

If you suffer from severe snoring or symptoms associated with sleep apnea, it is important to consult a doctor specializing in sleep disorders. Initial steps to alleviate snoring may include lifestyle changes such as losing weight if you are overweight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, and avoiding sleeping on your back [2]. In cases of sleep apnea, a doctor may recommend a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device, which provides gentle, continuous air pressure to keep the airway open during sleep [1]. There are also oral appliances that help keep the jaw and tongue in a position that prevents airway obstruction [1]. In some cases where other treatments fail, surgical intervention may be recommended to correct problems in the throat, nose, or jaw [1].

For more information on snoring, when it is just a nuisance, and when it indicates a health problem, you can visit Snoring: When is it just a nuisance and when does it indicate a health problem? (Arabic).

Medical references

• Sleep Study
• Snoring