Snoring is caused by tissues in the upper airway vibrating during sleep. In sleep apnoea, breathing repeatedly stops or becomes shallow during sleep, which is more serious.
Signs that may point to sleep apnoea
- Loud snoring and pauses in breathing at night (people close to you may notice)
- Excessive daytime sleepiness and tiredness
- Morning headache, trouble concentrating
Risk factors
- Excess weight, a wide neck circumference
- Nasal blockage, a deviated septum
- Large tonsils or a wide soft palate
- Alcohol and some medications, sleeping on the back
Diagnosis
A sleep study (polysomnography) determines the number and severity of breathing pauses.
Treatment approaches
- Weight loss, lifestyle and sleeping-position adjustments
- A breathing device (CPAP)
- Surgical options for the nose, tonsils or palate (in suitable patients)
The choice is made by an ENT specialist according to sleep-study results and the person's anatomy.
This article is general information; diagnosis and treatment decisions are always made after a physician's examination.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Consult a physician for a personal assessment.
