What is snoring?
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Snoring is a noise produced during sleep, usually when an individual breathes in. It occurs when the muscles associated with structures at the back of throat relax during sleep. This causes vibration of some or all of those structures (soft palate, uvula and sometimes tonsils). All snorers have incomplete obstruction of the upper airway. Many habitual snorers have complete episodes of upper airway obstruction where the airway is completely blocked for a period of time. This is usually followed by snorts and gasps as the individual fights to take a breath. |
How common is snoring?
One out of four people is a habitual snorer. It is more frequent in men and people who are overweight.
Should I Worry if I Snore?
Snoring can sometimes be a symptom of a serious disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). "Apnea" means the absence of breathing. Clinically, "apnea" is defined as stoppage of breathing for 10 seconds or more. When an individual snores loud enough to disturb others, it is usually a strong indication of obstructive sleep apnea. If this is the case, then the individual needs to be evaluated by a sleep specialist. Treatment for sleep apnea includes sleeping with a special machine called a CPAP.
There are different kinds of snoring that can indicate different things. Primary snoring, also known as simple snoring is characterized by loud upper airway breathing sounds and NO episodes of apnea. Primary snoring is often treated by losing weight, sleeping on your side and refraining from alcohol and sedatives. It can also be treated with oral devices that help maintain an open airway, or, various types of surgery that involve removing excess tissue from the throat.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea is when a person stops breathing repeatedly during sleep.
- Breathing stops because the airway collapses and prevents air from getting into the lungs.
- Sleep patterns are disrupted, resulting in excessive sleepiness or fatigue during the day.
 Normal Breathing: Airway is open Air flows freely to lungs |
 OSA: Airway collapses Blocked air flow |
 CPAP Therapy: Airway splinted open Air flows freely to lungs |
What causes the airway to collapse during sleep?
- Extra tissue in the back of the airway such as large tonsils.
- Decrease in the tone of the muscles holding the airway open.
- The tongue falling back and closing off the airway.
- 4 in 100 middle-aged men and 2 in 100middle-aged women have Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
- Most OSA sufferers remain undiagnosed and untreated.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea is as common as adult asthma.
Possible increased risk for:
- High blood pressure
- Fatigue-related motor vehicle and work accidents
- Heart disease and heart attack
- Decreased quality of life
- Stroke
If you or someone you know snores regularly and has one or more of the following symptoms, it may be Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
- Snoring, interrupted by pauses in breathing
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Restless sleep
- Excessive sleepiness or fatigue during the day
- Poor judgment or concentration
- Irritability
- Memory loss
- High blood pressure
- Depression
- Obesity
- Large neck size (>17" in men; >16" in women)
- Crowded airway
- Morning headache
- Sexual dysfunction
- Frequent urination at night.
See your doctor; evaluation by a doctor specializing in sleep disorders is recommended.
Have a sleep study done; a sleep study can provide the doctor with information about how you sleep and breathe. This information will help the doctor to determine your diagnosis and treatment options.
What is the treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
The most common treatment is:
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), pronounced "see-PAP." Other less common treatments include surgery and oral appliances, which may be effective in certain individuals.Any treatments should include weight loss if needed, exercise, and avoidance of alcohol, sedatives, and hypnotics.
How does CPAP therapy work?
CPAP treats Obstructive Sleep Apnea by providing a gentle flow of positive-pressure air through a mask to splint the airway open during sleep.
- Breathing becomes regular
- Snoring stops
- Restful sleep is restored
- Quality of life is improved
- Risk for high blood pressure, heart disease,heart attack, stroke, and motor vehicle and work accidents is reduced
- Easily identified
- Effectively treated
Special thanks to Respironics for providing the above information on OSA.
Special thanks to LifeSleep Systems, Inc. for providing the photography.
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