Sleep Apnea vs. Snoring: What’s The Difference?

About 40 percent of adults experience persistent snoring — but just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s harmless. In fact, it could be a warning sign of sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep condition where you repeatedly stop and start breathing throughout the night. People with sleep apnea are more likely to experience strokes, heart attacks, and depression.

One of the most notable symptoms of sleep apnea? Persistent snoring.

If you or someone you love snores regularly, it might be time to take a closer look at what’s going on. While occasional snoring is usually not the end of the world, frequent snoring combined with other symptoms — such as pauses in your breathing — could signal a deeper health concern.

Let’s talk about how you can tell the difference between snoring and sleep apnea.

Snoring can be a symptom of sleep apnea — but not everybody who snores has sleep apnea.

So, what’s the difference?

• Regular snoring occurs when your air passages are slightly obstructed, affecting airflow. It’s typically not associated with choking or gasping for air.

• Sleep apnea is a sleep condition associated with frequent, loud snoring and gasps or choking sounds. It is often accompanied by excessive daytime drowsiness, difficulty staying awake, and even memory problems.
  
  

Noticing these signs early can help you seek the right care before things get worse. 

While heavy snoring can be a telltale sign, here are some other key symptoms to watch out for that could indicate sleep apnea:

This is one of the biggest red flags. Often, bed partners are the first to notice this: pauses in breathing followed by loud gasps or snorts. If this happens regularly, it’s a clear indication that your airway is becoming blocked during sleep, which is at the core of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Do you find it hard to stay awake during meetings, while driving, and even while relaxing or watching TV? Excessive daytime sleepiness, especially if you get a full night’s sleep, could be a sign of sleep apnea. 

Unlike regular tiredness, which can be caused by a late night or stress, chronic fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest needs medical attention.

If you often wake up with a dry mouth or headache, you might be dealing with obstructive sleep apnea. The condition often causes mouth breathing, which leads to dryness. Headaches can also be a symptom due to poor oxygen levels and interrupted sleep cycles.

Irritability, brain fog, or memory lapses can signal more than just lack of sleep. When sleep apnea is present, your body doesn’t get the restful, deep sleep it needs — which can lead to difficulty concentrating and mood swings. These can be a serious sign of disrupted sleep patterns.

If your snoring is so loud that it disturbs others, it might not just be “background noise.” Loud, disruptive snoring that interferes with your partner’s sleep is one of the most common signs of sleep apnea. 

If your snoring is loud enough to wake you or others up during the night, it’s time to consult a professional.

If you think you have sleep apnea, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional.

Both snoring and sleep apnea can be treated. The right treatments can help you sleep better and improve your overall quality of life.

Useful snoring solutions include:

• Sleeping on your side

• Losing excess weight

• Lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking or cutting out alcohol

• Sleeping on a specially made pillow

• Trying a nasal dilator

• Using an anti-snore mouth-piece
  
  

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, the best course of action is to talk to a healthcare professional. A doctor or sleep specialist can help determine if you have sleep apnea and recommend the best course of action.

Don’t ignore those signs — getting the help you need early on can drastically improve your health and quality of life.

If you’re dealing with frequent snoring and feeling exhausted during the day, don’t just brush it off as “normal” or “harmless.” These could be signs of sleep apnea, and it’s important to take them seriously.

Even if you don’t have sleep apnea, your snoring can be treated. Solutions like mouth guards or nasal dilators can make a world of difference in helping you sleep better. 

If you think you might have sleep apnea, don’t wait. Book an appointment with a sleep specialist and take the first step towards better sleep and better health. 

The content in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical advice or concerns about snoring, sleep disorders, or related health issues.