Snoring Can Be More Than Just a Nuisance
Snoring happens when airflow through the nose or mouth is partially blocked during sleep, causing the surrounding tissues to vibrate. While occasional snoring is harmless, loud, chronic snoring can be a red flag for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) — a serious sleep disorder.
How Snoring Can Be a Sign of Sleep Apnea
- Interrupted breathing: Sleep apnea involves repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, often followed by gasping or choking sounds — commonly mistaken for “just snoring.”
- Daytime fatigue: If a snorer wakes up tired even after a full night’s sleep, it could mean their breathing was interrupted repeatedly.
- Witnessed pauses in breathing: If someone notices you stop breathing during sleep, it’s a strong indicator of sleep apnea.
- Snoring with other symptoms: Morning headaches, dry mouth, difficulty concentrating, and irritability often go hand in hand with sleep apnea.
Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Ignoring sleep apnea can lead to serious long-term health issues, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease and stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Weight gain and obesity
- Depression and anxiety
- Memory problems and poor concentration
- Increased risk of accidents (due to fatigue)
Diagnosis
If you suspect sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend:
- Sleep study (Polysomnography) – Done in a sleep lab, it monitors breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, and brain activity.
- Home sleep apnea test (HSAT) – A simplified version done at home for convenience.
Treatment Options
- Lifestyle changes (first-line for mild cases)
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) – A machine that keeps the airway open using air pressure.
- Oral appliances – Custom devices that adjust the jaw or tongue to keep the airway clear.
- Surgery – For structural issues in the airway (e.g., tonsils, nasal blockages).
- Positional therapy – Helps prevent sleeping on the back, which can worsen apnea.
Lifestyle Changes That Help
- Lose weight if overweight
- Avoid alcohol and sedatives before bed
- Quit smoking
- Sleep on your side instead of your back
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule
Need Help with Snoring or Sleep Apnea?
If you or someone you know is struggling with loud snoring, restless sleep, or signs of sleep apnea, don’t ignore it. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can make a significant difference in your health and quality of life.
Visit the Sleep and Snoring Clinic at Royal pearl Hospitals for expert evaluation, advanced diagnostics, and personalized treatment plans.
For appointments and consultations, call us at:
+91 78454 80555
+91 78451 89990
044 – 4785 3935