What Is Snoring?
Snoring is common during sleep and is caused by the vibration of tissues in the throat as a person breathes. Snoring is not a sleep disorder but rather a symptom of airway obstruction or resistance to airflow during sleep.
The primary symptom of snoring is the sound produced during sleep. While many snorers don’t experience any significant issues related to snoring, it can be disruptive to bed partners and occasionally indicate underlying sleep apnea.
What Causes Snoring?
Snoring can be caused by various factors, including:
- Obesity
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Nasal congestion
- Sleeping position
- Alcohol and sedative use
- Age-related muscle relaxation
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These pauses in breathing, known as apneas, can last for seconds to minutes and occur multiple times during the night.
There are two primary types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common type of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, leading to the narrowing or complete closure of the airway. OSA can range from mild obstructive sleep apnea to severe obstructive sleep apnea, with varying symptoms and treatment options. Moderate obstructive sleep apnea is often treated with CPAP or alternative therapies.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): CSA is less common and results from a failure of the brain to transmit the proper signals to the muscles responsible for controlling breathing.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Pauses in breathing during sleep
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headache
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability