We often get asked how to tell if snoring is sleep apnoea. In this blog, the team at Absolute Sleep explains when snoring needs an assessment, what snoring treatment can improve your wellbeing, and why a simple stop bang test can be a practical first step.
In this post, we discuss:
- How loud snoring differs from obstructive sleep apnoea
- First four STOP-Bang risk factors you can spot at home
- When to speak with your GP
- Oral appliance therapy for people who dislike CPAP
- What You Can Expect From Absolute Sleep
Waking tired most mornings or having a partner retreat to the spare room because of loud snoring should prompt you to question whether it’s simply snoring or a sign of something more serious.
If you’re concerned that your snoring might indicate sleep apnoea, an oral dental sleep medicine practice like Absolute Sleep can provide clarity and support better sleep.
Why Do We Snore?
During sleep, the muscles in the throat relax. When the airway becomes narrow, air has to push through a tighter gap. That airflow becomes turbulent, a bit like wind moving past loose fabric, and causes soft tissues at the back of the throat (such as the soft palate, uvula and tongue base) to vibrate.
Those vibrations create the familiar sound of snoring to lesser or greater degrees. If the airway collapses completely for brief moments, breathing can stop, which may suggest sleep apnoea rather than simple snoring.
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) involves reduced or paused breathing, drops in oxygen and frequent micro-arousals. Untreated sleep apnoea can strain the heart over time, increasing the risk of serious cardiovascular problems and causing daytime sleepiness that affects:
- Mood
- Mental Health
- Relationships
- Personal safety
- Work performance.
Using The STOP-Bang Test as a First Check
The stop bang test is a widely used screening tool that estimates a person’s risk of OSA. Absolute Sleep offers this as a pre-screening tool only, it does not diagnose sleep apnoea.
The first four STOP-Bang signs you can observe yourself are:
- Snoring – loud and frequent.
- Tiredness – persistent daytime fatigue.
- Observed apnoeas – someone sees you stop breathing, choke or gasp.
- Blood Pressure – high blood pressure, treated or not.
If you notice these sleep apnoea symptoms, your GP can arrange appropriate diagnostic testing, which may include an overnight sleep study or certain home-based tests guided by a sleep physician.
When to Seek Help and Treatment Options
Ever searched something along the lines of “when to see a sleep specialist for snoring” or “why does my boyfriend stop breathing at night”? A snorer’s partner often notices the problem first. Seek help promptly if:
- Snoring occurs most nights.
- You wake unrefreshed.
- Feel unusually sleepy during the day, or
- Have existing heart-related conditions.
If OSA is confirmed and CPAP is not tolerated, a custom made Mandibular Advancement Splints (MAS) can help keep the airway open during sleep. Scientific research recognises oral appliances as an effective treatment option for selected patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.
FAQs
How do I know if my snoring could be sleep apnoea?
To know if snoring could be sleep apnoea, look for loud nightly snoring, daytime tiredness and someone noticing breathing pauses. If you’re wondering how to tell, a high STOP-Bang score means it’s time to speak with your GP.
Is the STOP-Bang Test a diagnosis for sleep apnoea?
The STOP-Bang Test is not a diagnosis; it estimates risk only. A high score means discussing formal testing with your GP. You can take the STOP-Bang Test here.
When should I consider snoring treatment in Perth with an oral appliance?
You should consider snoring treatment in Perth with an oral appliance once sleep apnoea is confirmed and CPAP isn’t suitable. Then you can discuss options with the Absolute Sleep team.
Start sleeping better with snoring treatment in Perth from Absolute Sleep. Book your consultation today.
