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Persistent snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea
Seek medical attention if it is accompanied by pauses in breathing, morning headaches, or daytime sleepiness

Snoring occurs when the airway in the throat becomes narrowed during sleep, causing the surrounding tissues to vibrate.

It is often dismissed as a harmless sleeping habit, but persistent snoring can be associated with obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep. If snoring is severe or is accompanied by pauses in breathing, it is advisable to consult a medical professional.

During sleep, muscle tone naturally decreases. As the tongue falls backward or the soft tissues around the throat relax, the lining of the throat can vibrate as air passes through, producing the familiar sound of snoring.

According to medical professionals on September 9, alcohol, sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medications, and physical exhaustion can further reduce muscle tone, causing even people who normally do not snore to begin snoring. In children, enlarged tonsils or adenoids can contribute to snoring. Nasal congestion caused by allergies, a deviated septum, or chronic sinus problems can also make snoring more likely.

The most obvious sign of snoring is, of course, the sound itself. Because people are usually unaware of their own snoring while asleep, a spouse or family member is often the first to notice it.

Professor Seok-Hyun Cho of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Hanyang University Hospital said, “If snoring is accompanied by frequent tossing and turning or waking during the night, dry mouth or severe headaches upon waking, there is a possibility that sleep apnea may also be present. Daytime sleepiness while reading or driving, as well as a history of high blood pressure or stroke, should also be taken seriously.”

In particular, anyone who experiences pauses in breathing during sleep should seek medical evaluation. Snoring can be an important warning sign that leads to the detection of sleep apnea.

The most important diagnostic test is a polysomnography, or sleep study. This test comprehensively measures brain waves, eye movements, breathing patterns, and blood oxygen levels during sleep. It allows doctors to objectively assess the severity of sleep apnea and determine the most appropriate treatment.

Treatment options include lifestyle changes, oral or other medical devices, and surgery. Maintaining a healthy weight and sleeping on your side may help improve symptoms. Avoiding alcohol and sleeping medications can also help reduce the severity of snoring and sleep-related breathing problems.

Source: 매경헬스 (https://www.mkhealth.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=79965)