Snoring is a common issue that affects millions of people, but in some cases, it may be a sign of something more serious—sleep apnoea. While occasional snoring is harmless, persistent loud snoring accompanied by other symptoms could indicate a sleep disorder requiring medical attention. Understanding the differences between simple snoring and sleep apnoea can help you determine when to seek professional advice.
What causes snoring?
Snoring occurs when airflow through the nose and throat is partially blocked, causing the surrounding tissues to vibrate. This can be caused by:
- Nasal congestion from colds, allergies, or a deviated septum
- Relaxation of throat muscles due to alcohol consumption or sedatives
- Obesity, leading to excess tissue in the throat that narrows the airway
- Sleep position, especially lying on the back, which increases airway obstruction
Most people experience snoring at some point, particularly when dealing with nasal congestion or fatigue. However, if snoring is frequent, loud, and disrupts sleep, it may be linked to an underlying issue such as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
What is sleep apnoea?
Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to a blocked airway. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), occurs when the throat muscles relax too much, causing the airway to collapse. This leads to interrupted breathing, often without the person realising it.
Key differences between snoring and sleep apnoea
While both snoring and sleep apnoea involve airway obstruction during sleep, there are several important differences between the two:
- Breathing pauses – Snoring is simply noisy breathing, whereas sleep apnoea involves repeated pauses in breathing that can last several seconds.
- Gasping or choking during sleep – People who snore typically maintain a steady airflow, but those with sleep apnoea may wake suddenly gasping or choking due to a lack of oxygen.
- Daytime fatigue – Simple snoring does not usually cause excessive daytime tiredness. However, sleep apnoea frequently results in poor sleep quality, leading to extreme fatigue and difficulty concentrating during the day.
- Snoring loudness and frequency – While snoring can range from mild to loud, sleep apnoea-related snoring is often persistent, very loud, and accompanied by pauses in breathing.
- Impact on health – Snoring is usually harmless, but sleep apnoea is linked to serious health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke due to repeated drops in oxygen levels during sleep.
Signs you may have sleep apnoea
If you or a loved one notices the following symptoms, it may indicate sleep apnoea rather than just snoring:
- Loud snoring followed by pauses in breathing
- Gasping, choking, or snorting during sleep
- Feeling excessively tired during the day despite getting enough sleep
- Waking up with headaches or a dry mouth
- Difficulty concentrating or experiencing mood changes
Left untreated, sleep apnoea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
When to seek medical advice
If snoring is persistent, disruptive, or accompanied by symptoms such as excessive daytime fatigue, it’s important to seek professional evaluation. A sleep study may be recommended to determine whether sleep apnoea is present.
While snoring is often harmless, frequent loud snoring with breathing interruptions may signal sleep apnoea, a condition that requires medical attention. If you’re concerned about snoring or suspect sleep apnoea, consulting Mr Wale Olarinde, an expert ENT specialist, can help you get the right diagnosis and treatment for better sleep and overall health.