Research from the Yale School of Medicine reveals that up to 90 million Americans occasionally snore, with 37 million of them experiencing it regularly. Snoring is the noisy breathing that occurs when the airway is partially blocked during sleep. The sound is created by the vibration of throat tissues. Excessive snoring can negatively affect the sleep of a partner and sometimes even the snorer themselves.

Key Takeaways

• Snoring is a common occurrence due to a partially obstructed airway and affects millions worldwide.

• Its severity varies, with higher prevalence among men and individuals with obesity.

• Snoring can lead to separate sleeping arrangements and strain relationships.

• While snoring involves noisy breathing, sleep apnea includes breathing interruptions with serious health implications.

• Causes of snoring include obesity, nasal congestion, smoking, sleep position, and aging.

• Consult a doctor if snoring disrupts your sleep or causes symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness or gasping for breath.

Snoring: Definition, Epidemiology, and Types

Snoring is a loud, hoarse, or harsh sound during sleep caused by the vibration of soft throat tissues due to airway obstruction or narrowing. According to the 2023 Snoring and Sleep Report, approximately 44% of adult men snore. Obese individuals are also highly affected, with 42% experiencing snoring compared to 27% of those with a normal BMI. Snoring can disturb the sleep of both the snorer and their bed partner, sometimes leading to couples sleeping in separate rooms or experiencing relationship issues.

Types of Snoring

• Light Snoring: Soft and gentle, with minimal impact on sleep.

• Primary Snoring: Basic snoring without significant health issues.

• Snoring Related to Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Severe snoring associated with a serious sleep disorder where breathing is repeatedly blocked.

Severe snoring is often linked to obstructive sleep apnea, which may impact mental health during the day and requires medical attention. Treatment aims to address the underlying condition and modify lifestyle habits.

What is the Difference Between Snoring and Sleep Apnea?

Snoring is noisy breathing during sleep, while sleep apnea involves repeated breathing interruptions that can have severe health consequences. The image below illustrates the difference between normal snoring and sleep apnea. Simple snoring features a partially blocked airway causing throat tissue vibrations, while sleep apnea involves a completely or significantly blocked airway, leading to repeated breathing cessation during sleep.

Types of Airways:

• Normal Airway

• Snoring

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Causes of Snoring

Snoring occurs when the airway is obstructed, causing the throat tissues to vibrate during breathing. Factors contributing to snoring include:

• Obesity: Extra neck tissues from excess weight can compress airways.

• Stuffy Nose: Congestion from colds or allergies can block air passages.

• Pregnancy: Swelling in the last trimester can lead to snoring.

• Smoking: Long-term smoking aggravates snoring.

• Sleep Position: Lying on your back can worsen snoring due to relaxed throat muscles.

• Sleep Deprivation: Lack of sleep can relax throat muscles, increasing snoring.

• Aging: Weakened throat muscles with age can increase snoring.

• Sleeping Pills: Certain medications can relax throat muscles, contributing to snoring.

• Drinking Alcohol: Alcohol relaxes throat muscles, potentially causing airway collapse and snoring.

Other Snoring Triggers

Diseases of the ear, nose, and throat that narrow the airway can also lead to snoring. Conditions like colds, allergic rhinitis, and tonsil hypertrophy can cause snoring in children. Cold symptoms can lead to nasal obstruction and open-mouth breathing, contributing to snoring. Sleep apnea can be both a cause and a consequence of snoring, often serving as a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

How is Snoring Diagnosed and When to See a Doctor?

Occasional snoring is typically not a cause for concern. However, if snoring disrupts sleep or causes symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness or significant annoyance, consult a doctor. After a medical review, the following tests might be conducted:

• Ear, Nose, and Throat Examination

• Sleep Evaluation (Polysomnography)

• Pulmonary Function Examination

• Electrocardiogram Examination

• Thyroid Function Examination

Note: A dentist should not treat snoring without a proper diagnosis from a physician.

Snoring Treatment Options

Treating snoring begins with lifestyle changes. Here are some strategies to help stop snoring:

Lifestyle Changes

• Sleep Position: Sleep on your side instead of your back.

• Pillow Use: Utilize pillows of moderate height to keep the airway clear.

• Weight Loss: Reducing excess weight can decrease throat fat and snoring.

• Quit Smoking: Eliminates airway inflammation.

• Avoid Alcohol and Sleeping Pills: These can worsen snoring.

• Stay Hydrated: Prevents dry throat tissues, which can vibrate more easily.

Clinical Treatments for Snoring

• Nasal Sprays or Essential Oils: To relieve congestion.

• Oral and Nasal Appliances: For simple snoring or mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

• Thyroxine: For treating underlying conditions like hypothyroidism.

• Surgery: May be needed for children with obstructive sleep apnea, including tonsil or adenoid removal or nasal structure correction.

• Nasal Surgery (e.g., Septoplasty): Improves nasal ventilation.

• Surgical Removal of Excess Throat Tissue: Can enlarge the airway and reduce snoring.

Home Remedies for Snoring

If snoring isn’t related to sleep apnea, remedies might include nasal treatments (like steroids or decongestants), dental appliances, weight loss, and sleeping on your side.

What Are the Complications of Snoring?

While snoring itself usually doesn’t cause complications, associated health conditions can worsen with age:

• Cardiovascular Diseases

• Endocrine Diseases

• Neuropsychiatric Diseases

If snoring is linked to sleep apnea, complications may include:

• Frequent Nighttime Awakenings: Often without conscious awareness.

• Disrupted Sleep Patterns: Leading to more light sleep rather than deep restorative sleep.

• Increased Heart Strain: Chronic obstructive sleep apnea can elevate blood pressure and enlarge the heart, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

• Poor Sleep Quality: Resulting in daytime sleepiness, reduced quality of life, and a higher risk of accidents.

Snoring: FAQs

How can I stop snoring naturally?
Adopting lifestyle changes such as altering your sleep position, maintaining a healthy weight, and practicing good sleep hygiene can help stop snoring naturally.

Does anything stop snoring?
Yes, there are several methods to stop snoring, including natural solutions like lifestyle changes or clinical treatments.

Why do I suddenly start snoring every night?
Sudden onset of snoring can be due to weight gain, allergies, illness, aging, or changes in your environment.