Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Title: Snoring Isn’t Just a Nuisance — It Could Be a Sign of Sleep Apnea

Snoring is often brushed off as nothing more than a noisy annoyance, especially by partners of snorers. But what many don’t realize is that loud, persistent snoring can be a red flag for something more serious — sleep apnea. At Athens Sleep and Snoring Solutions, we’re committed to helping you understand what your body is telling you during the night and how to improve your sleep (and your health).

Loud Snoring

What Causes Snoring?

Snoring happens when airflow through your mouth and nose is partially blocked while you sleep. This blockage causes the surrounding tissues to vibrate, producing the familiar snoring sound. Several factors can contribute to snoring, including:

• Obstructed nasal airways (from allergies, colds, or a deviated septum)

• Poor muscle tone in the throat and tongue, often worsened by aging or alcohol use

• Being overweight, which can lead to extra tissue around the neck and throat

• Sleep position, especially sleeping on your back

• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids, particularly in children

  
  

When Snoring Is More Than Just Noise

Not all snoring is dangerous. But habitual loud snoring, especially when combined with pauses in breathing, gasping, or choking sounds, can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This condition causes the airway to collapse or become blocked during sleep, reducing or completely stopping airflow for brief periods — sometimes dozens or even hundreds of times per night.

Why Is Snoring and Sleep Apnea Harmful?

Sleep apnea doesn’t just disrupt sleep — it can severely affect your overall health. Here’s how:

• Increased Risk of Heart Disease & Stroke: Repeated drops in blood oxygen levels can strain the heart and blood vessels.

• High Blood Pressure: The stress from disrupted sleep can lead to chronic hypertension.

• Daytime Fatigue & Brain Fog: Poor sleep quality means you’re more likely to feel tired, unfocused, and irritable.

• Impaired Memory & Mood: Long-term sleep deprivation impacts brain function and mental health.

• Increased Risk of Accidents: Drowsy driving and workplace errors are more common in people with untreated sleep apnea.

  
  

How to Know If Snoring Is a Problem

If you or a loved one experiences any of the following, it’s time to speak with a sleep specialist:

• Loud snoring almost every night

• Gasping, choking, or pauses in breathing during sleep

• Morning headaches

• Excessive daytime sleepiness

• Difficulty concentrating or irritability

A sleep study (in-lab or at home) can help diagnose whether snoring is related to sleep apnea and guide treatment options.

What You Can Do

• Lose weight, if needed

• Avoid alcohol before bed

• Sleep on your side

• Treat nasal congestion

• Consider medical treatment, such as a CPAP machine, Oral Sleep Appliance, or surgery

  

  Oral Sleep Appliance for Sleep Apnea

  
  

Final Thoughts

Snoring may seem harmless, but it’s often the body’s way of signaling that something’s wrong. Don’t ignore it. At Sleep Wellness, we believe good sleep is essential to good health. If you or someone you love is struggling with snoring, let’s explore what’s behind it — and how we can help you breathe (and sleep) better.

Call 706-600-3730 to book a Complimentary Consult today!!