What Is Snoring?
Snoring is noisy breathing that happens during sleep when air has trouble moving through the airway. The sound is caused by vibrating tissues in the nose, mouth, or throat.
Several factors can increase the risk of snoring, including:
- Excess weight
- Sleeping on the back
- Nasal congestion or allergies
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Alcohol or sedative use before bedtime
- Pregnancy
- Structural differences in the airway
Occasional snoring is common and may not be serious. In some cases, though, snoring can be linked to obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep.
Symptoms
Snoring can range from quiet, occasional sounds to loud, ongoing nighttime noise. Some people may not realize they snore until a partner or family member notices it.
Symptoms linked to snoring or sleep apnea may include:
- Loud snoring
- Pauses in breathing during sleep
- Gasping or choking during the night
- Daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Trouble concentrating
- Poor-quality sleep
- Feeling tired after waking up
How Is It Diagnosed?
Healthcare providers diagnose snoring by reviewing symptoms, sleep habits, and medical history. They may ask about breathing pauses, daytime fatigue, and how often snoring occurs.
An exam of the nose, throat, and airway may help identify blockage or narrowing. If sleep apnea is suspected, a sleep study may be recommended to monitor breathing and sleep patterns overnight.
How Is It Treated?
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the snoring.
Lifestyle changes are often the first step and may include:
- Losing excess weight
- Sleeping on your side
- Avoiding alcohol before bed
- Treating allergies or nasal congestion
- Keeping a regular sleep schedule
Some patients benefit from oral appliances that help keep the airway open during sleep. If obstructive sleep apnea is present, CPAP therapy may be recommended. In certain cases, surgery may help correct airway blockage.
Treatment can improve sleep quality, reduce daytime fatigue, and help prevent complications related to sleep apnea.
