Is My Snoring Dangerous or Just Annoying? Make an Appointment Ask a Question Search Conditions This information has been reviewed and approved by Sheila Tsai, MD, (February 2019). Is My Snoring Dangerous or Just Annoying? Snoring — sound made when tissues from the nose to the throat vibrate during sleep Causes Tonsils Muscle relaxants Nasal polyps Obstructive sleep apnea Obesity of the neck Deviated septum Smoking before bed Drinking alcohol before bed Allergy or cold inflammation Snore Less Don't sleep on your back Lose weight Limit alcohol and smoking Diagnosis and treatment Limit opiates, barbiturates and anxiety medications When is Snoring Dangerous? Loud snoring can be a serious sleep disorder. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a blockage that stops breathing and disturbs sleep. OSA Symptoms and Effects on Health Loud, disruptive snoring Pauses in breathing during sleep Choking or gasping awake from sleep Excessive daytime sleepiness Difficulty sleeping Problems with attention or memory Irritability or depression Morning headaches High blood pressure If any of these symptoms occur with loud snoring, speak to your doctor for further evaluation. Sleep Studies In a Sleep Lab Records snoring, pauses in breathing, oxygen desaturations and muscle movement Identifies sleep stages, body position, blood oxygen levels, respiratory events, muscle tone, heart rate, eye movement, brain waves, amount of snoring and general sleep behavior At Home Records oxygen saturation, heart rate, airflow, chest and abdomen movement, time snoring and sleep position 50 to 70 million people have a sleep disorder Half of Americans report snoring 50 percent of loud snorers have obstructive sleep apnea ~31% of men have obstructive sleep apnea ~21% of women have obstructive sleep apnea More Information on Sleep Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms Risk Factors Diagnosis Sleep Studies Treatment CPAP Living with a Sleep Disorder Make an Appointment Programs & Services Find a Doctor Want to use this on your website? Fill out the content usage request form and then copy this code: