Snoring is common—but it isn’t always harmless.

Snoring happens when the soft tissues in the throat relax during sleep and partially block the airway. As air passes through, those tissues vibrate, creating the familiar snoring sound. For many people, it’s a nightly annoyance. For others, it’s a warning sign.

In some cases, snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea, a serious sleep-related breathing disorder. The term apnea means “without breath.” People with sleep apnea repeatedly stop breathing during sleep—sometimes dozens of times an hour.

Each time breathing pauses, the body briefly wakes to restart it. You may gasp, choke, or snort for air without fully realizing it. Even if you think you slept through the night, your body never reaches the deep, restorative sleep it needs.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea: What’s the Difference?

Types of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

The most common form. OSA occurs when the airway becomes physically blocked during sleep. Causes can include:

  • Relaxed throat muscles

  • Excess tissue in the throat

  • Enlarged tonsils or tongue

  • Jaw size or position

  • Deviated septum

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

CSA occurs when the brain doesn’t send consistent signals to the muscles that control breathing. Breathing becomes very shallow—or stops briefly—because the body isn’t being properly prompted to breathe.

Complex Sleep Apnea

A combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea affects people of all ages and genders. Risk factors include excess weight, increasing age, alcohol use, certain medications, medical conditions, and family history.

How Sleep Apnea Affects Daily Life

Nighttime symptoms may include:

  • Loud, frequent snoring

  • Choking, snorting, or gasping sounds

  • Pauses in breathing during sleep

  • Waking up short of breath

Daytime effects often include:

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Morning headaches

  • Dry mouth or sore throat

  • Poor sleep quality

Over time, lack of restorative sleep can contribute to:

  • Mood changes and irritability

  • Depression

  • Decreased libido

  • Memory problems

  • Reduced focus and productivity

Untreated sleep apnea is also linked to serious health risks, including:

  • High blood pressure

  • Heart disease

  • Stroke

  • Complications with anesthesia

  • Increased accident risk due to fatigue

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type and severity of sleep apnea.

  • Behavioral changes: Weight loss, limiting alcohol, adjusting sleep position, and reviewing medications may help mild cases.

  • Oral appliances: Custom-fitted dental devices reposition the jaw or tongue to keep the airway open during sleep.

  • CPAP therapy: A machine delivers gentle air pressure through a mask to prevent airway collapse.

  • Surgical options: In some cases, surgery or medical implants can reduce or eliminate airway obstruction.

When to Seek Help

If snoring is loud, persistent, or paired with daytime fatigue, it’s worth investigating. Proper diagnosis and treatment can dramatically improve sleep quality, overall health, and daily energy.

If you suspect your snoring may be more than a nuisance, talk with your dentist or physician about a referral to a sleep apnea specialist. Give us a call at (503) 644-5433, we would be happy to help!