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Snoring and sleep apnea

Constant snoring can indicate health issues

Snoring occurs because breathing passages narrow during sleep, causing air to move more quickly through the passages and vibrate soft tissues at the back of the throat and in the sinuses. The muscles that open our throat during the day relax during sleep, which can lead to light snoring that grows louder when relaxed muscles allow more obstruction in the throat.

While occasional snoring is normal—nearly everyone will snore from time to time—constant snoring can mean more serious problems, such as sleep apnea, and has been connected to such health issues as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, thyroid disorders, sinus disorders and nasal polyps. It also can have a detrimental effect on the sleep patterns of the snorer and his or her partner.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea or obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the narrowed airway collapses and actually blocks air from entering the lungs at all. The body reacts to the lack of oxygen and causes the person to wake up, usually gasping for air. The more this happens throughout the night, the more exhausted the patient becomes due to lack of deep and REM sleep. Patients report severe fatigue and even falling asleep during the day.
While snoring can be annoying, sleep apnea can have serious health implications and lead to accidents due to fatigue. Consult a doctor if you experience the following:
  • Waking suddenly and gasping for air
  • Waking tired or feeling tired during the day after a full night of sleep
  • Difficulty concentrating during the day
  • You have had a pause in your breathing for at least 10 seconds while you sleep

Diagnosing sleep apnea will likely involve a detailed history and exam, as well as a sleep study involving an overnight polysomnography to determine the severity of your condition.

There are many options for conservative treatments for snoring and sleep apnea, including weight loss, adjusting sleeping position, and avoiding alcohol and use of antihistamines and sleep aides. Other non-surgical options include CPAP machines (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), which use air pressure to keep airways open during sleep, and custom oral appliances that keep the tongue and jaw forward so the airway does not collapse.

For more serious cases of sleep apnea, surgery may be recommended.

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