Is Snoring During Sleep a Sign of a Health Disorder?

Snoring during sleep is often considered normal and commonplace. Some people even find it amusing. However, others believe that snoring can be a sign of an underlying health disorder. Is snoring really an indicator of a health problem? Here is the explanation.

Snoring can happen to anyone, especially older individuals or those with a body structure characterized by enlarged tonsils or a large tongue. These conditions can narrow the airway, making it difficult for air to pass through and causing the uvula to vibrate — resulting in the snoring sound during sleep. 

In addition, snoring can also be a sign of sleep apnea, a sleep disorder in which the sufferer briefly stops breathing. Both snoring and sleep apnea cause the body to lack oxygen, which can lead to fatigue upon waking, headaches, and excessive daytime sleepiness. In certain cases, snoring has also been linked to an increased risk of various health disorders, including the following:

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Snoring during sleep due to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can also put you at greater risk of developing GERD, or acid reflux disease. This occurs because the breathing pauses associated with OSA create negative pressure in the abdomen, causing food and liquid being digested in the stomach to flow back up into the esophagus, resulting in a burning sensation in the chest.

Narrowing of Blood Vessels

People who snore during sleep may also be at higher risk of narrowing or blockage of blood vessels around the neck and brain. If left untreated over time, narrowed blood vessels can become a cause of stroke. The risk of stroke is even higher for those who snore and also have a history of high cholesterol or high blood pressure (hypertension).

Insomnia and Headaches

People who snore due to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) also more frequently experience insomnia or suffer from headaches. Insomnia and headaches can occur as a result of poor sleep quality and insufficient oxygen intake. Because the body's oxygen needs are not met, body tissues cannot repair themselves during sleep and are more susceptible to dysfunction.

Pregnancy Complications

Snoring during sleep due to obstructive sleep apnea can also affect the health of pregnant women. Pregnant women who experience obstructive sleep apnea are known to be more prone to pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia. Additionally, this sleep disorder can also impact the health and development of the fetus.

Arrhythmia

Those who snore due to obstructive sleep apnea over the long term may be at risk of developing an enlarged heart. An enlarged heart can increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythm, also known as arrhythmia. 

How to Address Snoring During Sleep

People who snore frequently are known to be at high risk of having Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA sufferers may experience breathing pauses lasting 10 to 20 seconds during sleep due to a blocked airway. This condition leads to health problems because the body's oxygen levels become insufficient.

Obstructive sleep apnea should not be taken lightly, as it is a serious health disorder that requires attention. If left untreated, it can lead to dangerous complications such as sudden cardiac arrest, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, and other conditions that can be fatal.

Consulting a doctor is the right step toward receiving prompt OSA treatment. Doctors typically recommend undergoing a Sleep Diagnostic Test first, and if deemed necessary, will advise the use of a CPAP therapy device (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) to address snoring and sleep apnea. 

If you are advised to undergo a Sleep Diagnostic Test or need further information about CPAP therapy devices for treating snoring, you can contact Resindo Medika.

Resindo Medika is the official distributor of ResMed and Somnomedics in Indonesia. Resindo Medika provides Sleep Diagnostic Test with high accuracy. You can undergo a sleep test at a hospital or in the comfort of your own home — easily, safely, and conveniently.