Health Topics for Respiratory Problems

Department of Respiratory Care

Lung Cancer Program

Interstitial Lung Disease -- Department of Internal Medicine

Allergies

Sleep apnea and snoring: adults

Most likely you have heard jokes about someone's snoring being as loud as a buzz saw in a lumberyard. However, loud snoring is not a joke. Snoring can indicate a breathing problem while sleeping. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs because the muscles at the back of the roof of the mouth relax and sag during sleep. This blocks the airway, resulting in snoring.

"Apnea" is a Greek word meaning "without air." Breathing stops when the airways are blocked. Loud snoring is interrupted with pauses in breathing, followed by loud gasps. This results in poor quality sleep and reduced intake of oxygen. Most sleep apnea sufferers are middle-aged, overweight men. Very loud, chronic snoring is usually the first sign of obstructive sleep apnea. It will also disrupt the sleep of the snorer's partner. All people who snore, however, do not have sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea can result in poor daytime performance and problems such as:

• daytime fatigue
• difficulty concentrating
• anxiety, irritability, or depression
• greater potential for falling asleep while driving and
• cardiovascular problems, such as high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke

If you snore loudly every night (no matter how many times you change position), you should see your healthcare provider. You may be referred to a sleep disorders clinic for a series of tests.

To form good sleep habits try to:

• keep a regular routine
• avoid the use of alcohol and sleeping pills
• lose weight and
• avoid sleeping on your back

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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