Loud Snoring Could Be More Than a Nuisance

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Snoring is easy to laugh about. A partner may complain about the noise, while the person doing the snoring may simply shrug and carry on. But loud, persistent snoring can sometimes be a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition that causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep.

People with sleep apnoea may not realise anything is happening. Instead, someone else might notice loud snoring, pauses in breathing, gasping, or choking sounds during the night. During the day, you may feel unusually tired, struggle to concentrate, or wake up with headaches.

Sleep apnoea can affect anyone, but the risk increases with age. Other factors, including excess weight, smoking, alcohol use, and certain medical conditions, can also increase the likelihood of developing it.

It’s worth talking to your GP if you regularly feel exhausted despite getting what seems like enough sleep, particularly if someone has noticed changes in your breathing overnight. Your doctor can assess your symptoms and may arrange a sleep study to find out what’s happening.

Treatment depends on the cause and severity. Some people benefit from lifestyle changes, while others may need a device such as a CPAP machine to keep their airway open during sleep. Your healthcare provider can explain which options are appropriate for you.

Don’t assume that being tired during the day is simply part of getting older. Healthify notes that sleep naturally becomes lighter and more interrupted with age, but ongoing sleep difficulties can also be linked to health conditions and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

A good night’s sleep should leave you feeling rested. If you’re regularly waking exhausted, or someone has noticed that your breathing changes while you’re asleep, it’s worth finding out why. Sometimes, treating the problem can improve not only your sleep, but your energy and quality of life during the day.