If I Snore, Do I Have Sleep Apnea?
Most people assume that if they snore, they also have sleep apnea. In reality, while snoring is one of the most common symptoms of the condition, it’s only one of several. That said, you shouldn’t shrug things off and assume your snoring is harmless — avoiding a specialist can allow sleep apnea to develop unchecked over time, which can threaten your overall health.
Request an AppointmentSnoring vs. Sleep Apnea: What’s the Difference?
Snoring on its own simply means air is vibrating past soft tissue in your throat, nose, or mouth as you breathe. Sleep apnea is a distinct medical condition involving repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. Many people with sleep apnea snore loudly, but plenty of people snore without ever developing sleep apnea — and some people with sleep apnea don’t snore much at all.
Signs That Point Toward Sleep Apnea
If your snoring is paired with any of the following, it’s worth getting evaluated:
- Choking or gasping during sleep
- Pauses in breathing noticed by a partner
- Waking up feeling unrefreshed despite a full night’s sleep
- Excessive daytime fatigue
- Morning headaches
For the full list, see our page on common sleep apnea symptoms. If you’d like to learn more about who tends to be at higher risk for snoring in the first place, visit our page on who is more likely to snore.
How to Find Out for Sure
The only way to know definitively whether snoring is tied to sleep apnea is a sleep study. Our team at Serene Sleep Solutions can walk you through the diagnostic process and recommend appropriate next steps based on the results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Can I have sleep apnea without snoring?
Yes, some people with sleep apnea don’t snore noticeably at all, which is why other symptoms like daytime fatigue and morning headaches are also important to watch for.
Does occasional snoring mean I need to be evaluated?
Occasional, mild snoring is common and not usually a cause for concern on its own. Loud, chronic snoring — especially with gasping or breathing pauses — is what typically warrants an evaluation.
What’s the best way to find out if my snoring is sleep apnea?
A sleep study is the only definitive way to confirm a sleep apnea diagnosis. Our team can help arrange either an in-office or at-home study.
My partner says I stop breathing at night — should I be worried?
Yes, that’s one of the more telling signs of sleep apnea and is worth having evaluated sooner rather than later.
If I do have sleep apnea, what are my treatment options?
Options include CPAP therapy and custom oral appliance therapy, which our doctor will discuss with you based on your specific diagnosis.
How do I schedule an evaluation for my snoring?
Call (386) 253-0115 or request an appointment online with our Daytona Beach, FL team.
