Snoring

What is snoring?

Snoring is the sound that occurs when airflow is partially blocked as you breathe during sleep.

This blockage causes the tissues in your throat, nose, or mouth to vibrate, creating the familiar snoring noise. Snoring can range from occasional and mild to loud and persistent.

What causes snoring?

Snoring can be caused by several factors that affect airflow during sleep, including:

• Nasal congestion or obstruction
• Allergies
• Enlarged tonsils or soft palate
• Being overweight
• Sleeping on your back
• Alcohol use before bedtime

In Newport News and Hampton Roads, VA, allergies and humidity-related congestion are common contributors.

Is snoring normal?

Occasional snoring is common and usually not a concern. However, frequent or loud snoring may indicate an underlying issue—especially if it disrupts sleep or is associated with breathing pauses.

When is snoring a sign of sleep apnea?

Snoring can sometimes be a sign of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

Signs that snoring may be related to sleep apnea include:

• Loud, persistent snoring
• Pauses in breathing during sleep (often noticed by a partner)
• Gasping or choking at night
• Daytime fatigue or sleepiness

If these symptoms are present, a sleep evaluation is important.

Can nasal issues cause snoring?

Yes. Nasal obstruction is a very common cause of snoring. When airflow through the nose is limited, you are more likely to breathe through your mouth during sleep, which increases snoring. Conditions such as:

• Nasal congestion
• Deviated septum
• Allergies

can all contribute to snoring.

Can allergies make snoring worse?

Yes. Allergies can cause inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages, making it harder to breathe through your nose. This can increase snoring, especially during peak allergy seasons in the Hampton Roads area.

How is snoring evaluated?

Evaluation typically includes a detailed review of your symptoms and sleep patterns, along with a physical examination of your nose, throat, and airway. If sleep apnea is suspected, your provider may recommend a sleep study to assess your breathing during sleep.

What are the treatment options for snoring?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Common approaches include:

• Lifestyle changes

• • Sleeping on your side
  • Weight management
  • Avoiding alcohol before bedtime

• Treating nasal issues

• • Nasal sprays
  • Allergy management
  • Procedures to improve airflow

• Oral appliances

• • Devices that help keep the airway open during sleep

• Medical or procedural treatments

• • Treatments for nasal obstruction (such as Vivaer®)
  • Other airway procedures if needed

Your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs.

Are there non-surgical options to reduce snoring?

Yes. Many patients benefit from non-surgical treatments, including:

• Allergy management
• Nasal procedures
• Oral appliances

Minimally invasive options can often improve airflow and reduce snoring without traditional surgery.

Is snoring common in Newport News and Hampton Roads?

Yes. Local factors that contribute include:

• Seasonal allergies
• High humidity
• Nasal congestion

These can increase the likelihood of snoring, especially in patients with underlying nasal or airway issues.

When should I see an ENT specialist for snoring?

You should consider evaluation if:

• Snoring is loud or persistent
• It disrupts your sleep or your partner’s sleep
• You feel tired during the day
• You suspect sleep apnea
• You have nasal congestion or breathing difficulty

Can snoring affect daily life?

Yes. Snoring can lead to:

• Poor sleep quality
• Daytime fatigue
• Strain on relationships
• Reduced overall well-being

Addressing the cause can significantly improve sleep and quality of life.

Is there a cure for snoring?

Snoring can often be significantly reduced or eliminated by treating the underlying cause.

With the right approach, many patients experience lasting improvement.

Ready to Sleep Better?

If snoring is affecting your sleep or daily life, it’s important to identify the cause.

Schedule an evaluation today with Dr. Timothy Queen and his expert team to create a personalized plan and start sleeping—and breathing—better.

References

• American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). Snoring & Sleep Apnea
• National Sleep Foundation. Snoring Overview
• Mayo Clinic. Snoring: Causes & Treatment
• National Institutes of Health (NIH). Sleep Disorders