IMPORTANT NOTE: This is not a medical site. You should always discuss medical matters with your doctor.
Snoring FAQ
Answers to some of the frequently asked questions about snoring.• What Causes Snoring?
There's no single cause of all snoring, it varies from person to person. It's usually a result of passages in the mouth becoming blocked whilst we sleep - breathing in then causes vibrations that result in the snore sound. There are lots of reasons for the passages becoming blocked including age, lifestyle factors and serious medical conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In many people there are multiple different factors contributing to the snoring problem.
• What Is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a medical condition where breathing is obstructed during sleep to such an extent that the sufferer temporarily stops breathing, often many times a night. For some people OSA is little more than annoying but in some cases it can be life threatening. If you suspect you may be suffering from sleep apnea then you should consult your doctor.
• Does Snoring Mean I have Sleep Apnea?
Perhaps but not necessarily. Most sleep apnea sufferers snore but not all heavy snorers suffer from sleep apnea. Consult your doctor or a specialist sleep physician for a disagnosis.
• How Can I Cure/Prevent/Reduce My Snoring?
Just as there's no single cause of snoring, there's no single snoring treatment. Possible approaches vary from simple nasal strips through to medical treatments such as CPAP devices for OSA or even surgical procedures.
• How Loud Is Snoring?
Many snorers refuse to believe their partners when told how loudly they snore. The average snorer reaches around 60 decibels which is about the volume of normal speech. However some can get up to as much as 80 or even 90 decibels
• How Common Is Snoring?
Snoring is very common. Estimates put the number of people who snore regularly at anything from 20% (one in five) up to twice that figure. Snoring is more frequent in men than in women.