Snoring: Difference between revisions

Snoring
	File:Pig snoring.ogv
Synonyms	Sleep-related breathing noise
Pronounce
Field	Otorhinolaryngology, Sleep medicine
Symptoms	Vibratory noise during sleep, disrupted sleep, daytime fatigue
Complications	Obstructive sleep apnea, sleep deprivation, relationship strain
Onset	Any age, more common with aging
Duration	Chronic or occasional
Types	Primary snoring, snoring with obstructive sleep apnea
Causes	Airway obstruction, obesity, alcohol use, anatomical factors
Risks	Male sex, obesity, nasal congestion, smoking, sleeping position
Diagnosis	Sleep study (polysomnography), physical examination
Differential diagnosis	Obstructive sleep apnea, upper airway resistance syndrome
Prevention	Weight management, avoiding alcohol, nasal decongestion, sleep position changes
Treatment	Lifestyle changes, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), oral appliances, surgery
Medication	Decongestants (for nasal congestion)
Prognosis	Improves with treatment, but may persist
Frequency	~40% of adult men, ~25% of adult women snore regularly
Deaths	Rare, unless linked to severe obstructive sleep apnea

← Older edit

Latest revision as of 03:35, 20 March 2025

File:Pig snoring.ogv

Vibration of respiratory structures causing noise during sleep

Snoring is the vibration of respiratory structures due to partial airway obstruction during sleep, leading to the production of sound. The intensity of snoring can range from soft and harmless to loud and disruptive. Chronic snoring may indicate an underlying condition such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which can lead to significant health complications.

Snoring is a common cause of sleep disruption for both the affected individual and their sleeping partner. It is often linked to poor sleep quality, fatigue, and daytime drowsiness. In some cases, it may be a sign of an underlying sleep disorder that requires medical evaluation and treatment.

Causes[edit]

Snoring occurs when airflow through the nose and throat is partially blocked, leading to turbulence and vibration of soft tissues. Several factors contribute to this obstruction:

Anatomical factors – Enlarged tonsils, a long uvula, a deviated nasal septum, a small jaw (micrognathia), or excess throat tissue can narrow the airway.
Obesity – Excess fat around the neck (central obesity) can increase airway resistance and lead to upper airway collapse.
Nasal congestion – Allergies, colds, or sinus infections can block nasal airflow, forcing more breathing through the mouth, which increases snoring.
Alcohol consumption – Alcohol relaxes the muscles of the throat, leading to airway narrowing.
Sleeping position – Sleeping on the back allows the tongue and soft tissues to collapse toward the airway, increasing the likelihood of snoring.
Age – As people age, throat muscles lose tone, increasing the risk of airway collapse.
Smoking – Irritation and inflammation of airway tissues can contribute to snoring.
Genetics – A family history of snoring or obstructive sleep apnea can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.

Diagnosis[edit]

1. Clinical Evaluation A doctor will conduct a physical examination, focusing on:

Throat and nasal structures (enlarged tonsils, deviated septum)
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Neck circumference (>17 inches in men, >16 inches in women is a risk factor for OSA)

A sleep history may also be taken, including:

Frequency and severity of snoring
Daytime sleepiness and fatigue
Observations from a bed partner (choking, gasping, apneic pauses)

2. Sleep Study (Polysomnography) If obstructive sleep apnea is suspected, a sleep study (polysomnography) may be performed to measure:

Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) – Determines the number of breathing pauses per hour.
Oxygen saturation – Detects periods of low oxygen levels during sleep.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment depends on the severity of snoring, its impact on sleep quality, and whether it is associated with obstructive sleep apnea.

1. Lifestyle Modifications

Weight loss – Reducing excess weight can significantly decrease airway obstruction.
Changing sleep position – Sleeping on the side instead of the back can reduce airway collapse.
Avoiding alcohol and sedatives – These relax throat muscles and worsen snoring.
Nasal decongestion – Using nasal sprays or antihistamines can improve nasal airflow.

2. Medical and Device-Based Treatments

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) – A machine that provides pressurized air to keep the airway open, especially for those with sleep apnea.
Oral appliances – Custom-fitted mandibular advancement devices help reposition the lower jaw to keep the airway open.
Nasal dilators – Adhesive strips or internal dilators can improve nasal airflow.

3. Surgical Interventions If conservative treatments fail, surgery may be considered:

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) – Removes excess soft tissue in the throat to widen the airway.
Genioglossus advancement (GA) – Repositions the tongue forward to prevent airway collapse.
Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) – A major surgery that moves the upper and lower jaw forward to increase airway space.
Radiofrequency ablation – Uses controlled heat to shrink and stiffen soft palate tissues.

Prevention[edit]

To reduce the likelihood of snoring:

Maintain a healthy weight
Avoid alcohol and sedatives before bedtime
Practice good sleep hygiene
Treat nasal congestion and allergies
Use a humidifier to keep airways moist

Complications[edit]

Chronic snoring can lead to:

Sleep deprivation – For both the snorer and their partner.
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease – Snoring linked to sleep apnea can increase hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.
Cognitive and mood disturbances – Poor sleep quality can cause memory issues, irritability, and depression.
Social impact – Snoring can cause relationship strain, embarrassment, and social isolation.

Epidemiology[edit]

40% of adult men and 25% of adult women snore regularly.
Risk increases with age, particularly after 40.
Obese individuals are at higher risk due to excess throat tissue.
More common in men due to differences in airway structure and fat distribution.

Snoring vs. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)[edit]

While snoring alone is not necessarily harmful, it can be an indicator of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The main differences are:

Feature	Snoring	Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Cause	Airway vibration	Airway collapse
Breathing pauses	No	Yes (≥10 seconds)
Oxygen drops	No	Yes
Daytime sleepiness	Sometimes	Frequent
Treatment	Lifestyle changes, oral devices	CPAP, surgery

External Links[edit]

This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-== Snoring ==
+[[File:Pig snoring.ogg|Pig snoring|thumb]]
+[[File:Avance mandibular.jpg|Snoring|thumb]]
+{{Short description|Vibration of respiratory structures causing noise during sleep}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}}
+{{Infobox medical condition (new)
+| name = Snoring
+| synonyms = Sleep-related breathing noise
+| image = Pig snoring.ogg
+| alt = Snoring sound
+| caption = Example of a snoring sound
+| pronounce =
+| field = [[Otorhinolaryngology]], [[Sleep medicine]]
+| symptoms = Vibratory noise during sleep, disrupted sleep, daytime fatigue
+| complications = [[Obstructive sleep apnea]], sleep deprivation, relationship strain
+| onset = Any age, more common with aging
+| duration = Chronic or occasional
+| types = Primary snoring, snoring with [[obstructive sleep apnea]]
+| causes = Airway obstruction, obesity, alcohol use, anatomical factors
+| risks = Male sex, obesity, nasal congestion, smoking, sleeping position
+| diagnosis = Sleep study ([[polysomnography]]), physical examination
+| differential = [[Obstructive sleep apnea]], upper airway resistance syndrome
+| prevention = Weight management, avoiding alcohol, nasal decongestion, sleep position changes
+| treatment = Lifestyle changes, [[Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)]], oral appliances, surgery
+| medication = Decongestants (for nasal congestion)
+| prognosis = Improves with treatment, but may persist
+| frequency = ~40% of adult men, ~25% of adult women snore regularly
+| deaths = Rare, unless linked to severe [[obstructive sleep apnea]]
+}}
-'''Snoring''' is the vibration of respiratory structures and the resulting sound due to obstructed air movement during breathing while sleeping. The sound can range from soft to loud and unpleasant. Snoring during sleep may be an early indication or symptom of [[obstructive sleep apnea]] (OSA). Research suggests that snoring is one of the factors contributing to sleep deprivation.<ref name="Finkel">Finkel, K. J., Searleman, A. C., Tymkew, H., Tanaka, C. Y., Saager, L., Safer-Zadeh, E., ... & Avidan, M. S. (2009). [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19194147/ Prevalence of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea among adult surgical patients in an academic medical center]. Sleep Medicine, 10(7), 753-758.</ref>
+'''Snoring''' is the vibration of respiratory structures due to partial airway obstruction during sleep, leading to the production of sound. The intensity of snoring can range from soft and harmless to loud and disruptive. Chronic snoring may indicate an underlying condition such as [[obstructive sleep apnea]] (OSA), which can lead to significant health complications.
+Snoring is a common cause of sleep disruption for both the affected individual and their sleeping partner. It is often linked to poor sleep quality, fatigue, and daytime drowsiness. In some cases, it may be a sign of an underlying sleep disorder that requires medical evaluation and treatment.
 <youtube>
 title='''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 movie_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/rTvonqASY0c
 &rel=1
@@ Line 15: / Line 44: @@
 == Causes ==
-Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is partially blocked during sleep. This obstruction can be due to various factors, including:
+Snoring occurs when airflow through the nose and throat is partially blocked, leading to turbulence and vibration of soft tissues. Several factors contribute to this obstruction:
-* Anatomical factors: The shape and size of the airway, nasal passages, and oral cavity can influence the likelihood of snoring. Enlarged tonsils or adenoids, a deviated nasal septum, or a narrow throat can contribute to airway obstruction.
+* Anatomical factors – Enlarged tonsils, a long uvula, a deviated nasal septum, a small jaw (micrognathia), or excess throat tissue can narrow the airway.
-* Obesity: Excess weight, particularly around the neck, can put pressure on the airway and increase the likelihood of snoring.
+* Obesity – Excess fat around the neck (central obesity) can increase airway resistance and lead to upper airway collapse.
-* Nasal congestion: Congestion due to allergies or a cold can obstruct the nasal passages and increase the likelihood of snoring.
+* Nasal congestion – Allergies, colds, or sinus infections can block nasal airflow, forcing more breathing through the mouth, which increases snoring.
-* Alcohol consumption: Alcohol relaxes the muscles in the throat, increasing the risk of airway obstruction and snoring.
+* Alcohol consumption – Alcohol relaxes the muscles of the throat, leading to airway narrowing.
-* Sleep position: Sleeping on the back can cause the tongue and soft palate to collapse to the back of the throat, partially obstructing the airway and increasing the likelihood of snoring.
+* Sleeping position – Sleeping on the back allows the tongue and soft tissues to collapse toward the airway, increasing the likelihood of snoring.
+* Age – As people age, throat muscles lose tone, increasing the risk of airway collapse.
+* Smoking – Irritation and inflammation of airway tissues can contribute to snoring.
+* Genetics – A family history of snoring or obstructive sleep apnea can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
 == Diagnosis ==
-Diagnosis of snoring typically involves a thorough patient history, physical examination, and possibly a sleep study, such as [[polysomnography]], to evaluate the severity of the snoring and identify any underlying sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea.<ref name="Abrishami">Abrishami, A., Khajehdehi, A., & Chung, F. (2010). [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20347021/ A systematic review of screening questionnaires for obstructive sleep apnea]. Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal Canadien d'anesthésie, 57(5), 423-438.</ref>
+. Clinical Evaluation
+A doctor will conduct a physical examination, focusing on:
+* Throat and nasal structures (enlarged tonsils, deviated septum)
+* Body Mass Index (BMI)
+* Neck circumference (>17 inches in men, >16 inches in women is a risk factor for OSA)
+A sleep history may also be taken, including:
+* Frequency and severity of snoring
+* Daytime sleepiness and fatigue
+* Observations from a bed partner (choking, gasping, apneic pauses)
+. Sleep Study (Polysomnography)
+If obstructive sleep apnea is suspected, a sleep study (polysomnography) may be performed to measure:
+* Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) – Determines the number of breathing pauses per hour.
+* Oxygen saturation – Detects periods of low oxygen levels during sleep.
 == Treatment ==
-Treatment options for snoring depend on the severity of the snoring and any underlying causes. Some common treatment options include:
+Treatment depends on the severity of snoring, its impact on sleep quality, and whether it is associated with obstructive sleep apnea.
+. Lifestyle Modifications
+* Weight loss – Reducing excess weight can significantly decrease airway obstruction.
+* Changing sleep position – Sleeping on the side instead of the back can reduce airway collapse.
+* Avoiding alcohol and sedatives – These relax throat muscles and worsen snoring.
+* Nasal decongestion – Using nasal sprays or antihistamines can improve nasal airflow.
+. Medical and Device-Based Treatments
+* [[Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)]] – A machine that provides pressurized air to keep the airway open, especially for those with sleep apnea.
+* Oral appliances – Custom-fitted mandibular advancement devices help reposition the lower jaw to keep the airway open.
+* Nasal dilators – Adhesive strips or internal dilators can improve nasal airflow.
-* Lifestyle changes: Losing weight, avoiding alcohol before bedtime, and treating nasal congestion can help reduce snoring. Changing sleep positions, such as sleeping on the side instead of the back, may also help.
+. Surgical Interventions
-* [[Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)]]: This therapy involves wearing a mask over the nose and/or mouth during sleep. The mask is connected to a machine that delivers a continuous flow of air, helping to keep the airway open and reduce snoring. CPAP is often used for individuals with obstructive sleep apnea but can also be effective for treating severe snoring without apnea.<ref name="Randerath">Randerath, W. J., Verbraecken, J., Andreas, S., Bettega, G., Boudewyns, A., Hamans, E., ... & Sanner, B. (2011). [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21029822/ Non-CPAP therapies in obstructive sleep apnoea]. European Respiratory Journal, 37(5), 1000-1028.</ref>
+If conservative treatments fail, surgery may be considered:
-* Oral appliances: Specially designed dental devices can help keep the airway open during sleep by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue. These appliances are custom-fitted by a dentist with expertise in sleep dentistry and can be effective for some individuals with snoring or mild to moderate sleep apnea.<ref name="Sutherland">Sutherland, K., Vanderveken, O. M., Tsuda, H., Marklund, M., Gagnadoux, F., Kushida, C. A., ... & Cistulli, P. A. (2014). [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24799606/ Oral appliance treatment for obstructive sleep apnea: an update]. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 10(2), 215-227.</ref>
+* Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) – Removes excess soft tissue in the throat to widen the airway.
-* Surgery: Various surgical procedures can be performed to address the anatomical factors contributing to snoring. These may include uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), which removes excess tissue from the throat; genioglossus advancement, which repositions the tongue to open the airway; or radiofrequency ablation, which shrinks tissue in the airway. The effectiveness of these procedures varies, and they are typically considered when other treatment options have not been successful or are not appropriate.<ref name="Walker">Walker, R. P., & Grigg-Damberger, M. M. (2005). [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15902447/ Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty versus continuous positive airway pressure for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: a meta-analysis]. Laryngoscope, 115(5), 850-854.</ref>
+* Genioglossus advancement (GA) – Repositions the tongue forward to prevent airway collapse.
+* Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) – A major surgery that moves the upper and lower jaw forward to increase airway space.
+* Radiofrequency ablation – Uses controlled heat to shrink and stiffen soft palate tissues.
 == Prevention ==
-Preventative measures for snoring can include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol consumption close to bedtime, treating nasal congestion, and practicing good sleep hygiene, such as establishing a consistent sleep schedule and creating a comfortable, quiet sleep environment.
+To reduce the likelihood of snoring:
+* Maintain a healthy weight
+* Avoid alcohol and sedatives before bedtime
+* Practice good sleep hygiene
+* Treat nasal congestion and allergies
+* Use a humidifier to keep airways moist
 == Complications ==
-Snoring can lead to sleep deprivation, both for the individual who snores and for anyone sharing their sleeping environment. Additionally, snoring can be a sign of underlying sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, which is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.<ref name="Peppard">Peppard, P. E., Young, T., Barnet, J. H., Palta, M., Hagen, E. W., & Hla, K. M. (2013). [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23589584/ Increased prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing in adults]. American Journal of Epidemiology, 177(9), 1006-1014.</ref>
+Chronic snoring can lead to:
+* Sleep deprivation – For both the snorer and their partner.
+* Increased risk of cardiovascular disease – Snoring linked to sleep apnea can increase hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.
+* Cognitive and mood disturbances – Poor sleep quality can cause memory issues, irritability, and depression.
+* Social impact – Snoring can cause relationship strain, embarrassment, and social isolation.
+== Epidemiology ==
+* 40% of adult men and 25% of adult women snore regularly.
+* Risk increases with age, particularly after 40.
+* Obese individuals are at higher risk due to excess throat tissue.
+* More common in men due to differences in airway structure and fat distribution.
-==See also==
+== Snoring vs. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) ==
+While snoring alone is not necessarily harmful, it can be an indicator of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The main differences are:
+{| class="wikitable"
+! Feature !! Snoring !! Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
+|-
+| Cause || Airway vibration || Airway collapse
+|-
+| Breathing pauses || No || Yes (≥10 seconds)
+|-
+| Oxygen drops || No || Yes
+|-
+| Daytime sleepiness || Sometimes || Frequent
+|-
+| Treatment || Lifestyle changes, oral devices || CPAP, surgery
+|}
+== See Also ==
 * [[Obstructive sleep apnea]]
 * [[Sleep deprivation]]
-* [[Sleep disorders]]
 * [[Polysomnography]]
-{{stub}}
+* [[Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)]]
+* [[Upper airway resistance syndrome]]
+* [[Mandibular advancement device]]
+== External Links ==
+{{Medical resources
+| DiseasesDB = 12444
+| ICD10 = {{ICD10|R|06|5|r|06}}
+| ICD9 = {{ICD9|786.09}}
+| MedlinePlus = 003097
+| eMedicineSubj = neuro
+| eMedicineTopic = 156
+| MeshID = D012910
+}}
 {{SleepSeries2}}
-{{Circulatory and respiratory system symptoms and signs}}
+{{Circulatory and respiratory system symptoms and signs}} {{stub}}
-{{IPA navigation}}
-{{Authority control}}
-{{w8md}}
 [[Category:Symptoms and signs: Respiratory system]]
 [[Category:Sleep disorders]]
-<gallery>
+[[Category:Snoring]]
-File:Schnarchen 01.ogg|Snoring
+[[Category:Obstructive sleep apnea]]
-File:Pig snoring.ogg|Snoring
-File:Avance mandibular.jpg|Snoring
-</gallery>

Snoring
File:Pig snoring.ogv
Synonyms	Sleep-related breathing noise
Pronounce
Field	Otorhinolaryngology, Sleep medicine
Symptoms	Vibratory noise during sleep, disrupted sleep, daytime fatigue
Complications	Obstructive sleep apnea, sleep deprivation, relationship strain
Onset	Any age, more common with aging
Duration	Chronic or occasional
Types	Primary snoring, snoring with obstructive sleep apnea
Causes	Airway obstruction, obesity, alcohol use, anatomical factors
Risks	Male sex, obesity, nasal congestion, smoking, sleeping position
Diagnosis	Sleep study (polysomnography), physical examination
Differential diagnosis	Obstructive sleep apnea, upper airway resistance syndrome
Prevention	Weight management, avoiding alcohol, nasal decongestion, sleep position changes
Treatment	Lifestyle changes, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), oral appliances, surgery
Medication	Decongestants (for nasal congestion)
Prognosis	Improves with treatment, but may persist
Frequency	~40% of adult men, ~25% of adult women snore regularly
Deaths	Rare, unless linked to severe obstructive sleep apnea