Snoring indicates that your airway is at least partially blocked. It may bother your bed partner more than it seems to bother you. Even though it is very common, snoring can be a sign of a serious breathing problem.

Almost everyone is likely to snore at one time or another. Research shows that snoring occurs most often in men and is more common as people age. Habitual snoring has been found in about 24% of adult women and 40% of adult men. By 60 years of age, 60% of people may snore.

Simple snoring is a social problem more than a medical problem. But snoring can also be a sign of problems that disturb your sleep or hinder your breathing.

Your snoring may cause you to briefly wake up many times during the night. This is a sign of upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS). It disturbs the quality of your sleep and can cause you to be sleepy during the day. Even though your airway is partially blocked, your oxygen levels remain normal.

Snoring is a more serious concern when the airway is blocked so much that your blood oxygen levels decrease. This is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sleep apnea increases your risk of severe heart problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease. It can also cause you to wake up hundreds of times each night.

You should see a sleep doctor if you snore and are sleepy even after a full night of sleep. An overnight sleep study can determine if your snoring is a sign of UARS or OSA. A sleep study measures such vital signs as your heart rate, breathing and brain waves as you sleep.

You can treat simple snoring by losing weight and changing your sleeping positions. The sound of snoring occurs as tissue in the back of your throat vibrates. Weight loss reduces the fatty tissue in your throat.

Sleeping on your stomach or side may improve your breathing. You can sew a tennis ball in the back of your night shirt. This will help you snore less by keeping you off your back.

A specialist in dental sleep medicine also can fit you with an oral appliance. This looks much like a retainer or a sports mouth guard. It helps keep your airway open to decrease or eliminate snoring.

OSA and UARS are often treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). It delivers a steady stream of air through a mask into your nose as you sleep. The flow of air keeps your airway open and helps you breathe normally. It helps you maintain normal oxygen levels and prevents you from waking up so often.

People who use CPAP often wake up feeling much more refreshed. They are better able to work through the day without getting sleepy. CPAP is rarely if ever used for a case of simple snoring that is unrelated to UARS or OSA.

Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your snoring. He or she can determine if you should see a sleep specialist. The proper treatment for your snoring can produce great benefits for your sleep and your health. It can also help your bed partner enjoy quieter nights of sleep.

By David A. Kristo, MD
Updated May 15, 2006