Snoring might seem harmless. Maybe your partner elbows you in the middle of the night or jokes about it in the morning. But what if your snoring is actually your body's way of warning you?
At uNITE Sleep Centers, we see it all the time. People put up with loud, disruptive snoring for years without realizing it could be a sign of something more serious - obstructive sleep apnea.
Let's break down when snoring is normal, and when it's not.
What Causes Snoring?
Snoring happens when air struggles to move freely through your airway. That vibration of soft tissues in your throat creates the sound. It can be triggered by nasal congestion, sleep position, alcohol use, or even just the shape of your airway.
But when snoring is loud, frequent, or paired with choking sounds or gasps, it may be more than just noise - it could be a sign your airway is collapsing repeatedly through the night.
When Snoring Becomes a Problem
Snoring becomes a medical concern when it interrupts breathing. That's what happens with sleep apnea. The airway closes off, oxygen drops, and your brain is forced to wake you up just enough to start breathing again. This can happen dozens or even hundreds of times in a single night.
Watch for these red flags:
• Snoring loud enough to be heard through walls
• Gasping or choking sounds while asleep
• Morning headaches
• Dry mouth when you wake up
• Constant fatigue, even after a full night in bed
These are signs your body is not getting the rest it needs, and your heart and brain are paying the price.
How a Sleep Study Can Help
The only way to know for sure if your snoring is harmless or dangerous is to get tested. uNITE offers both in-lab and at-home sleep testing. Each study is reviewed by a board-certified sleep physician and shared with your referring provider.
If your snoring is just snoring, you'll finally know. If it's something more, you'll be on the path to treating it before it leads to bigger health problems.