Snoring, also known as ronchopathy, usually occurs on inhalation when the palate and uvula tissues vibrate as air passes through. Snoring is not considered a health problem except in the case of sleep apnea.
However, it can still cause discomfort to those around. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, 45% of adults snore occasionally and 25% of adults are regular snorers.
During sleep, the tissues of the palate and throat relax. For some people, these tissues partially obstruct the passage of air and begin to vibrate during breathing. Snoring can be caused or accentuated by one of the following factors:
To sleep well, ambient noise should not exceed 30 decibels. Decibels measure the how powerful or loud a sound is.
When snoring is associated with frequent breathing stops that affect sleep, it is called sleep apnea. Often the snorer is not aware that he or she has sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is caused by a relaxation of the tongue and throat muscles that obstruct the passage of air. Sleep apnea causes fatigue and drowsiness during the day.
If you suffer from sleep apnea, it is recommended that you consult a snoring specialist (otorhinolaryngologist (ENT)).
Snoring does not have a direct impact on health. Nevertheless, it can be a source of discomfort for others and interfere with their sleep. In more severe cases, snoring can be associated with sleep apnea and impact the snorer’s daily life (sleep disorders, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, etc.).
Some people are not bothered by their snoring. However, there are many reasons why a person should consult a specialist. We have outlined a few of the common reasons below:
Sleep deprivation has a clear impact on daily life. Indeed, fatigue can lead to mood swings, lack of concentration, lower libido, headaches and many other symptoms. It is essential to take care of your sleep.
Some people are bothered by their partner’s snoring which can result in chronic fatigue and a general sense of tiredness for not only the snorer, but their partner as well. If you are a snorer’s partner or your snoring bothers a loved one, we encourage you to consult our sleep clinic. We offer free consultations at our clinic or online from the comfort of your own home.
Snoring may be associated with a sleeping disorder called sleep apnea. This can cause daytime fatigue, hypertension and cardiovascular disease in the long term. Sleep apnea can be diagnosed with a simple at-home sleep test or with a sleep test at a certified sleep lab.
Your initial consultation has 2 major purposes:
We suggest your spouse accompany you for your free clinic consultation or joins the virtual consultation at home. At your initial evaluation, a specialist will determine if sleep apnea testing is required by asking you questions about your sleep and alertness. The sleep specialist will also take into account your past medical history and will examine your upper airway.
Shorter versions of our sleep screening tools are available online as well. If you would like to check your predisposition and likeliness of a sleep disorder you can take the 1-minute questionnaire online here
During your first visit, the specialist will propose different long term solutions to stop or minimize your snoring. The treatment will depend on whether or not you have sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea may be diagnosed by a laboratory sleep test (polysomnography) or a home sleep test. You will need a medical prescription in order to undergo these tests however our medical team would be happy to provide one for you, if required.
These tests are performed under medical prescription only.
After assessing the snoring intensity and its vibration, the ENT will prescribe a treatment suitable for the patient. Certain actions may reduce the factors that promote snoring:
