Is My Snoring Dangerous or Just Annoying?

This information has been reviewed and approved by Sheila Tsai, MD (February 2024).

Is My Snoring Dangerous or Just Annoying?

Snoring — sound made when tissues from the nose to the throat vibrate during sleep

Causes

Tonsils
Muscle relaxants
Nasal polyps
Obstructive sleep apnea
Obesity of the neck
Deviated septum
Smoking before bed
Drinking alcohol before bed
Allergy or cold inflammation

Snore Less

Don't sleep on your back
Lose weight
Limit alcohol and smoking
Diagnosis and treatment
Limit opiates, barbiturates and anxiety medications

When is Snoring Dangerous?

Loud snoring can be a serious sleep disorder.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a blockage that stops breathing and disturbs sleep.

OSA Symptoms and Effects on Health

Loud, disruptive snoring
Pauses in breathing during sleep
Choking or gasping awake from sleep
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Difficulty sleeping
Problems with attention or memory
Irritability or depression
Morning headaches
High blood pressure

If any of these symptoms occur with loud snoring, speak to your doctor for further evaluation.

Sleep Studies

In a Sleep Lab

Records snoring, pauses in breathing, oxygen desaturations and muscle movement
Identifies sleep stages, body position, blood oxygen levels, respiratory events, muscle tone, heart rate, eye movement, brain waves, amount of snoring and general sleep behavior

At Home

Records oxygen saturation, heart rate, airflow, chest and abdomen movement, time snoring and sleep position
50 to 70 million people have a sleep disorder
Half of Americans report snoring
50 percent of loud snorers have obstructive sleep apnea
~31% of men have obstructive sleep apnea
~21% of women have obstructive sleep apnea

More Information on Sleep

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