Are You a Snorer? Here are 3 Reasons to Seek Medical Intervention
Quick answer: Occasional snoring is common, but loud, habitual snoring often warrants medical evaluation. Nearly half of adults snore and about 25 percent are habitual snorers. Heavy snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, particularly alongside morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, or nighttime chest pain. If you snore most nights, an ENT can pinpoint the cause (sleep apnea, nasal blockage, or throat anatomy) and, when appropriate, arrange an at-home sleep study.
Snoring is a common problem among Americans. In fact, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO), nearly half of all adults in the country snore, and some 25 percent are habitual snorers.
If you're a statistic, it is worth keeping in mind that while habitual snoring may seem innocuous, it most likely warrants medical treatment. Here are three reasons that serve as a wake-up call for you to seek medical intervention for habitual or heavy snoring.
Reason #1: It can Signify a Potentially Serious Underlying Health Problem
Habitual or heavy snoring, especially when accompanied by the following symptoms, is a potential symptom of sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterized by breathing disturbances that can cause hypoxia (low oxygen levels in the blood) or hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the tissues).
- Morning headaches
- Excessive daytime lethargy or sleepiness
- Chest pains, especially at night
- Choking or gasping during sleep
- Sore throat upon waking up
- Poor attention span
Untreated sleep apnea is associated with serious health risks, including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke risk, mood changes, daytime sleepiness, and impaired concentration.
Reason #2: It Can Affect Your Mental Health
Heavy snoring can affect your mental health in a number of ways, as explained below:
Research shows that sleep deprivation associated with heavy snoring, regardless of whom it is affecting (whether the person doing the snoring or the one hearing it) can lead to anxiety, which reduces the person's ability to effectively cope with stress.
For someone who's already struggling with a mental health condition, sleep deprivation can worsen their symptoms.
Additionally, results of a recent study demonstrate that majority of people with sleep apnea are manifesting clinically significant depressive symptoms.
Sleep deprivation can significantly impair certain brain functions, particularly hippocampal function (storing episodic memories and learning).
Reason #3: It May Also Indicate That You Have Nasal/Sinus Problems
Chronic nasal congestion can result in habitual or heavy snoring. This is because when you breathe through a clogged nose, you will create greater suction forces that can cause your throat to relax and your soft palate and uvula to flap.
One of the most common culprits in persistent nasal congestion is chronic sinusitis which, when left untreated, can lead to permanent damage of your olfactory nerve (which helps you smell) and loss of vision due to optic nerve injury.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace an in-person evaluation. Every patient is unique. Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific symptoms and treatment options.
Struggling with Snoring?
Capital ENT's board-certified sleep specialists can evaluate the cause and severity of your snoring and recommend effective treatment options. Same-day and next-day appointments often available.