Snoring and OSA: How Are They Related?

Has your partner ever complained that you snore? While snoring might seem like nothing but an annoyance, it can actually be a sign of a serious sleep disorder! How exactly are snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) related, and how can you know when it is time to seek professional attention? This blog post shares some relevant information.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea Have a Strong Correlation

OSA is a common sleep disorder that occurs when tissues in the throat block the flow of air, leading to interruptions in breathing. It is associated with many health complications, including high blood pressure, heart attack, and more. Snoring is simply the sound that occurs when air moves past those same tissues in the throat, causing them to vibrate.

Research published in 2022 set out to examine the relationship between snoring and OSA. It has long been acknowledged that these two issues often occur concurrently, but this study wanted to delve deeper into their connection. It did so by analyzing snoring sounds, including its intensity and frequency, and comparing those measurements with the severity of OSA in patients.

The study found a high correlation between the severity of snoring and patients’ AHIs. (AHI stands for Apnea Hypopnea Index. It is a measurement of how many breathing disruptions a patient experiences per hour on average.) In other words, louder and more frequent snoring can be a strong indicator of nighttime breathing problems!

Should You Seek Treatment?

If you snore infrequently, and your snoring tends to be light, it is probably nothing to be worried about. People snore for various reasons, and it does not always indicate the presence of OSA.

However, if you snore loudly and frequently, it would be worth your time to visit a qualified medical practitioner. This is especially true if you are experiencing other symptoms of OSA, such as:

• Observed pauses in breathing.
• Daytime fatigue despite sleeping for 7 – 8 hours.
• Frequent nighttime urination.
• Often waking up with a sore throat or headache.

A medical professional can assess your symptoms and refer you for testing. If you are diagnosed with OSA, you can get started with treatment. For example, a custom oral appliance from a sleep dentist can help to keep your airway open. This can facilitate better breathing and lead to a great reduction in snoring. You might even stop snoring altogether!

Severe snoring can be a red flag for your health! If your partner has told you that you snore, it may be time to visit a doctor for medical advice.

Meet the Practice

Drs. Kenneth Mogell and Yitta Garden are experts in the field of obstructive sleep apnea. They specialize in providing custom oral appliances to help patients breathe better, snore less, and enjoy improved health. To learn more about them and how our team may be able to serve you, contact any of our locations or call our Boca Raton office at 561-353-5252.