Snoring

Snoring is the rumbling, snorting or harsh rattling sound some people make during sleep. It happens due to partial blocking of your airway.

Occasional or “primary” snoring is common and can be normal. In fact, nearly everyone does it at some point, including babies and young children. It’s usually nothing to worry about.

But snoring that happens alongside episodes where you pause breathing could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This condition can lead to health issues without treatment. Also, if it’s keeping you or your partner from getting a good night’s sleep — leaving you tired and cranky during the day — it’s time to talk to a healthcare provider.

Symptoms of snoring

Sounds vary from person to person. They can range from a quiet vibration or whistle to a loud rumble.

Snoring may also cause you to:

• Toss and turn during sleep
• Wake up with a dry or sore throat

Snoring causes

When you breathe, you push air through your nose, mouth and throat. A blockage in your airway can cause these tissues to vibrate against each other as air passes through. The blockage may be related to your anatomy. Or it may happen because of a temporary condition that causes swelling, like a cold. Sometimes, the muscles in your mouth and throat relax so much that they block your airway.

Risk factors

Related factors include:

• Age: Snoring is more common as we age because muscle tone decreases. This causes your airways to shrink.
• Anatomy: Enlarged adenoids, big tonsils or a large tongue can restrict airflow. A deviated septum can also block the flow of air.
• Family history: Snoring runs in families. If you have a biological parent who snores, you’re more likely to do it, too.
• Overall health: Nasal congestion due to allergies and colds can block airflow. Hormone changes during pregnancy can also contribute.
• Relaxed muscles: Alcohol, sedatives and even lack of sleep can relax the muscles in your upper airway once you finally drift into sleep. This can limit airflow and lead to snoring.
• Sex: It’s more common in males.
• Sleep position: Back sleepers are more likely to snore than side sleepers.
• Weight: Snoring and sleep-related breathing disorders are more common in people who have overweight or obesity.

Complications of this condition

Most of the risks involved relate to sleep deprivation and sleep apnea (when it applies). They include:

• Decreased blood oxygen levels
• Daytime sleepiness and trouble concentrating
• Heart issues, like high blood pressure
• Obesity and hormonal imbalances
• Type 2 diabetes
• Stroke

How doctors diagnose this condition

A healthcare provider will examine your nose, mouth and throat. They’ll also ask about your snoring habits. It’s a good idea to bring your partner along with you so they can offer insight. Or you could use an app or a noise-activated voice recorder that tracks your snoring. Come prepared to answer questions, like:

• How often do you snore?
• What does it sound like?
• Do you stop breathing during sleep?
• Do you snort or gasp for air during sleep?
• Do you feel rested during the day?

You may need imaging tests if your provider thinks that an issue related to your anatomy, like a deviated septum, is causing issues. You may need to do a sleep study if they think you have a sleep disorder like obstructive sleep apnea.

How is it treated?

Healthcare providers recommend treatments based on what’s causing you to snore. Treatments include:

• Lifestyle changes: Changing your sleep position, avoiding alcoholic drinks and maintaining a weight that’s healthy for you can reduce snoring.
• Medications: Cold and allergy medications relieve nasal congestion and help you breathe freely.
• Nasal strips: Wearing nasal strips (flexible bands that stick to the outside of your nose) can help keep your nasal passages open.
• Sleep apnea treatments: There is a range of treatments, including lifestyle modifications, changing your sleeping position, wearing oral appliances or using a CPAP. In select cases, healthcare providers recommend upper airway stimulator devices.

Surgery

Surgery treats severe snoring. The goal of surgery is to shrink or remove excess tissue. It can also correct structural issues that are causing issues. Treatments may include:

• UPPP or LAUP surgery to remove tissue from your soft palate or tonsils
• Ablation therapy (Somnoplasty®) to shrink excess tissue in your soft palate and tongue
• Tonsillectomy to remove your tonsils
• Adenoidectomy to remove your adenoid glands
• Septoplasty to straighten a deviated septum

When should I see my healthcare provider?

See a healthcare provider if snoring disrupts your sleep or leads to issues like fatigue, headaches or gasping for air. They can run tests to see if you have sleep apnea or another type of sleep-disordered breathing.

What can I expect if I have this condition?

Occasional snoring is usually harmless. But if it’s loud, disruptive or frequent, it may be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, a serious disorder.

Most people manage snoring with lifestyle changes. If it’s severe, you may need sleep apnea treatment, like a CPAP, or surgery.

Can this be prevented?

Certain lifestyle changes may help. Here are some things to try:

• Avoid sedatives or beverages containing alcohol before bed.
• Buy a snore-reducing pillow that keeps your head in the proper position when you sleep.
• Elevate your head during sleep to improve airflow.
• Sleep on your side instead of your back.
• Try to stay active, get plenty of exercise and maintain a weight that’s healthy for you.

Talk to a provider for more tips. They can offer recommendations based on your needs.

How do you stop someone from snoring?

If your partner’s snoring keeps you up at night, it can be tempting to banish them — or remove yourself — to the couch. But instead of seeing their snoring as an annoyance, think of it as a sign that they may have a sleep disorder that needs to be addressed.

To start, share ways to help them stop or reduce snoring. If that’s not helping, encourage them to see a healthcare provider. Remember that most of us don’t know how we sound when we sleep. By letting them know it’s an issue, you may be helping a loved one avoid future health problems.

Does snoring mean sleep apnea?

Snoring doesn’t necessarily mean you have sleep apnea. It’s the most common sleep apnea symptom, but there are many other reasons why people snore.

Is snoring bad?

It isn’t necessarily bad. Most of us snore at some point during our lives. But it’s time to see a healthcare provider if you snore loudly or if snoring disrupts your sleep quality.

Should I worry that my baby is snoring?

Snoring in babies is common and rarely indicates a serious condition. Most of the time, a stuffy nose causes it. But if you’re concerned, schedule a visit with your baby’s pediatrician. They can find out what’s causing it and determine whether they need treatment.