ANCSLEEP BLOG

Snoring is one of the most well-known symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The reason why so many sleep apnea sufferers snore is due to the tissues in the back of the throat relaxing and blocking the airway. When the airway becomes blocked, a vibration occurs and creates a sound known as snoring. Snoring can be influenced by a person's anatomy, weight, and lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption.

However, with as many as 90 million Americans suffering from snoring, it may not always be a sign that an individual has OSA. To know whether or not you or your partner have obstructive sleep apnea, you must be aware of the other symptoms that happen with snoring and necessitates a diagnosis of sleep apnea.

Normal vs. Socially Unacceptable Snoring

Does your partner wear earplugs to ward off the blows of your nightly, nasally snores? Is your snoring a common joke among family members?

These are all signs that you have a snoring problem. Why do we call it a problem? For one, it’s disruptive – maybe not for you, but certainly for anyone who has to sleep in the same room or house as you. Secondly, snoring may also be the primary sign in deeper underlying condition that can impact your quality of life.

The difference between occasional snoring and a snoring problem are fairly easy to identify:

• Others around you (e.g. spouse, partner) change their habits to mitigate your snoring
• Your partner’s sleep is impacted
• It’s well known that you are a snorer
• You snore most nights

When it is a problem, it’s definitely worth look at a little closer to see what might causing it, and how you might prevent it.

Importance of Just Snoring vs Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Chronic, loud snoring may be a bigger personal problem than just a nuisance for other people who have to listen to your nightly nasally noises. In other words, while their sleep might be disrupted, your snoring might be caused by a medical condition called sleep apnea, which can have significant health consequences. Or, maybe you are just a loud, chronic snorer.

Knowing the difference and telltale signs between loud snoring and sleep apnea is important, as identifying the potential problem underlying your chronic snoring is the first step to getting healthy again.

Socially unacceptable snoring is a term for very loud snoring that is often so disruptive, you end up being the butt of your family's jokes. Socially unacceptable snoring is not only disruptive to the whole household, but my indicate a more serious underlying disorder. If your loud snoring requires your bed partners to wear earphones, happens consistently every night, and can be heard throughout the house, then it's not just a "quirky trait".

While socially unacceptable snoring may lead to humor or frustration among friends and family, it is crucial to recognize that it could signify a more significant issue for the snorer. It is not just an inconvenience for the bed partner; it is often a primary symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious sleep disorder with potential health implications.

Understanding the distinctions between socially unacceptable snoring and potential OSA-related snoring is vital. Identifying the underlying cause of chronic snoring is the initial step towards addressing any health concerns.

Snoring has many causes, including: 

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
• Deviated septum
• Allergies (congestion)
• Improper head elevation
• Alcohol or other sedative drugs/medications
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Tumors/cysts
• Genetics (snoring is hereditary)

Of the causes on this list, obstructive sleep apnea is the most common and most dangerous if untreated. Long-term consequences include: 

• Lower life expectancy
• Lower quality of life in nearly all areas
• Lower performance in nearly all areas of life
• Increased risk of many heart-related diseases

Continue reading to learn more about effective ways to prevent snoring. 

When Snoring Becomes a Problem

Do you notice your partner wearing earplugs to avoid the sound of your nightly snoring? Is your snoring a common joke among family members? These signs indicate that you may have a snoring problem. Why is it a problem? For one, it’s disruptive—not only for you but also for anyone who has to share a room or house with you. Additionally, snoring could be a sign of an underlying condition that can affect your quality of life.

It's important to differentiate between occasional snoring and a snoring problem. Signs of a snoring problem include: 

• Your partner altering their habits to cope with your nightly snoring
• Your partner being impacted by your snoring
• Your reputation as a snorer being well-known
• Regular snoring on most nights

When snoring becomes a problem, it's worth investigating the potential causes and how to prevent it.