Sleep Apnoea
Snoring and sleep apnoea — what's the difference?
Not all snorers have sleep apnoea, and not all people with apnoea are loud snorers. How to tell the difference and when to test.
By Sámh · General sleep-health information
Snoring is the sound of turbulent airflow through a partially narrowed upper airway. It is common and, on its own, is not necessarily a medical problem.
Understanding the difference
Sleep apnoea, in contrast, involves reduced or briefly stopped breathing during sleep — repeated events that pull oxygen levels down and rouse the brain. Snoring can occur alongside sleep apnoea, but the two are not the same.
When snoring becomes a concern
Red flags that suggest snoring may be part of sleep apnoea include witnessed pauses in breathing, waking gasping or choking, morning headaches, high blood pressure and persistent daytime sleepiness.
If any of these apply, discuss your symptoms with a healthcare professional. A home sleep apnoea test may be an appropriate next step; a clinician reviews your recording before you receive a results call and recommendation.
Sources and further reading
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