When Is Snoring a Sign of a Deeper Problem?

More than just a frustrating habit, snoring can be a red flag for something more serious. While occasional snoring is common and usually harmless, chronic or loud snoring could be a sign of an underlying health condition, especially if it affects your sleep or your partner’s. 

Highly trained ENT physician and surgeon Raj Bhayani, MD, of the New York Institute of Otolaryngology and Aesthetic Surgery, can help you understand when snoring is just snoring and when it’s time to consider treatment options.

Let’s break it down. 

What causes snoring in the first place? 

Snoring happens when the flow of air through your mouth or nose is partially blocked during sleep. This causes your surrounding tissues to vibrate, creating that familiar sound. 

Common causes include: 

• Nasal congestion or allergies
• Sleeping on your back
• Alcohol consumption before bed
• Being overweight 
• Relaxation of throat muscles during deep sleep 

Signs your snoring may be a bigger issue

Not all snoring is cause for concern, but it can be linked to a condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious sleep disorder that causes repeated interruptions in breathing during the night. Left untreated, OSA can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other health issues. 

Here are the signs of OSA to look out for: 

• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• Morning headaches or dry mouth
• Difficulty concentrating or mood changes
• Pauses in your breathing (your partner may notice this)

Understanding obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much during sleep, temporarily blocking your airway. When this happens, your brain briefly wakes you up to resume normal breathing — often without you realizing it. This cycle can repeat dozens or even hundreds of times per night, severely disrupting your sleep quality. 

Risk factors for OSA include being overweight, a family history of sleep apnea, being male (though women can be affected too), smoking or alcohol use, and chronic nasal congestion. 

When to see a professional (and what to expect)

If your snoring affects your quality of life or your partner’s, it’s a good time to seek medical advice from Dr. Bhayani. He may recommend: 

Physical exam

Dr. Bhayani checks for physical signs of sleep apnea and asks about your sleep habits, symptoms, and overall health. 

Sleep study

A sleep study tracks your breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, and movement overnight to confirm whether you have sleep apnea and how severe it is. 

Lifestyle changes

Losing weight, quitting smoking, or avoiding alcohol can reduce the severity of symptoms and may even eliminate mild cases of sleep apnea. 

CPAP therapy 

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is the most common and effective treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea. It keeps airways open so you can breathe freely throughout the night. 

Oral appliances and surgery 

If CPAP isn’t an option or doesn’t work well, Dr. Bhayani may recommend a custom oral device or surgery to remove obstructions and improve airflow. 

Ultimately, snoring isn’t always harmless background noise. If it’s loud, persistent, or paired with other symptoms, it could be a sign of a deeper issue like obstructive sleep apnea. 

Don’t ignore the signs — talk to Dr. Bhayani, get evaluated, and take steps toward better sleep and better health. Use our online booking tool to set up an appointment with Dr. Bhayani at one of our offices today.