--- title: "Snoring vs. Sleep Apnea: Which is it? (Guest Post)" description: All people with obstructive sleep apnea snore, but not all people who snore have sleep apnea. How can you tell if you're at risk? image: https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/file-2611736034-jpg/social-suggested-images/snoring-bed-parter-with-sleep-apnea.jpg --- **[![ASMS_logo_shadow_round](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png?width=200&name=ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png "ASMS_logo_shadow_round")](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/)** **Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc.** The Sleep Experts`®` (877) 775-3377 ## Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ### *We believe that education is the first step to finding better sleep. Our articles educate people on sleep news, sleep disorders, and sleep care to help them achieve better health and live better lives. * *Thanks for joining the conversation.* ## [Snoring vs. Sleep Apnea: Which is it? (Guest Post)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/sleepbetterblog/snoring-vs.-sleep-apnea-guest-post) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Find me on: [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/julia.steele818) [LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/in/juliasteele) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/juliasteelerod) Jul 18, 2015 8:00:00 AM ![snoring-bed-parter-with-sleep-apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/file-2611736034-jpg/social-suggested-images/snoring-bed-parter-with-sleep-apnea.jpg?width=405&name=snoring-bed-parter-with-sleep-apnea.jpg) It's normal to snore occasionally – perhaps when you are suffering from a cold or after you’ve had a few drinks at a party before going to sleep. But what if you, like millions of Americans, snore regularly night after night? Are you suffering from a debilitating sleep disorder that can significantly affect all aspects of your life, or are you harmlessly sawing logs? # Sleep Apnea and Snoring ***By Clark O. Taylor, M.D., D.D.S.*** According to the [American Academy of Otolaryngology](http://www.entnet.org/content/snoring-and-sleep-apnea), **45 percent of the population snores occasionally** and one in four adults snore chronically. At the same time, an estimated **18 million people across the country suffer from [obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/what-is-sleep-apnea)**, which has been linked to a bevy of health issues including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. ## **The Difference Between OSA and Snoring** All too often, snoring and sleep apnea are confused or thought of as interchangeable. In truth, while **all untreated OSA sufferers snore, only some people who snore have sleep apnea.** Snoring is simply a sound caused by a vibration during breathing. The vibration is the result of a partially blocked airway in the mouth, nose, or throat. Snoring can be caused by a number of different factors, including: - Sinus infections or colds. - Allergies. - Alcohol. - A deviated septum. - Poor muscle tone. - Throat and airway obstructions. Snoring is a *symptom* of obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is when a person has multiple pauses in their breathing pattern during sleep. These interruptions in breathing can cause disturbed sleep, interrupted sleep, and light sleep. In turn, a lack of restful sleep can cause a litany of other health issues, such as extreme daytime drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, depression, and anxiety. ## **Have a Sleep Study to Diagnose OSA** While evaluating your [symptoms](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleep-apnea-symptoms) and [risk factors](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleep-apnea-causes-and-risk-factors) for sleep apnea may be useful, the most accurate way to definitively diagnose and treat your possible sleep apnea is to meet with a doctor. In most cases, your regular doctor will evaluate your symptoms and medical history before referring you to a sleep specialist. A sleep specialist will evaluate: - Your symptoms. - Your medical history. - Your current physical health. - Your sleep study results. A sleep study analyzes both how you sleep and how your body responds to issues related to sleep. These studies, which may be conducted at a sleep center or at home, record your vital signs, the amount of oxygen in your blood, the air movement through your system, your brain activity, your chest movements, and your snoring. A sleep study accomplishes more than simply diagnosing your OSA--it will also determine the severity of your condition. The sleep study and the physical exam may also shed light on the cause of your OSA, such as extra-large tonsils or other obstructions. ## **If Snoring Affects Your Life, Seek A Solution** It is vital to understand that even if you are not diagnosed with sleep apnea, snoring could still be adversely affecting your partner, the restfulness of your sleep, and your overall health. Talking with your doctor about your chronic snoring, a formal diagnosis, and effective treatments may lead to improvements your health, whether or not your snoring is caused by sleep apnea. **About the Author** **![sleep-apnea-dr-taylor-150x150](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/sleep-apnea-dr-taylor-150x150.jpg?t=1436828350117)** ***Clark O. Taylor, M.D. D.D.S., is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with over 30 years of experience. He is a founding surgeon at [Surgical Sleep Solutions](https://surgicalsleepsolutions.com/), a sleep apnea treatment center that specializes in bimaxillary advancement surgery. Certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, as well as the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, he received his bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University, his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) from the University of Missouri, Kansas City, and his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from Northeastern Ohio University.*** Topics: [Sleep Apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea), [Treating Sleep Apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/treating-sleep-apnea), [Sleep Studies](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-studies), [Doctor's Opinion](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/doctors-opinion) ## Share this blog post: [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fsleepbetterblog%2Fsnoring-vs.-sleep-apnea-guest-post%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fsleepbetterblog%2Fsnoring-vs.-sleep-apnea-guest-post%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fsleepbetterblog%2Fsnoring-vs.-sleep-apnea-guest-post%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fsleepbetterblog%2Fsnoring-vs.-sleep-apnea-guest-post%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Snoring%20vs.%20Sleep%20Apnea%3A%20Which%20is%20it%3F%20%28Guest%20Post%29) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fsleepbetterblog%2Fsnoring-vs.-sleep-apnea-guest-post%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fsleepbetterblog%2Fsnoring-vs.-sleep-apnea-guest-post%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fsleepbetterblog%2Fsnoring-vs.-sleep-apnea-guest-post%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### Subscribe to Email Updates Search our blog Search ### Posts by Topic - [Children and Sleep (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/children-and-sleep) - [Coffee (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/coffee) - [CPAP Alternatives (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-alternatives) - [CPAP Supplies (9)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-supplies) - [CPAP Treatment (25)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment) - [Diabetes (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/diabetes) - [Doctor's Opinion (4)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/doctors-opinion) - [Economics of Sleep Medicine (15)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/economics-of-sleep-medicine) - [Good Sleep Habits (59)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits) - [Health Insurance (20)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/health-insurance) - [Heart Disease (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/heart-disease) - [Insomnia (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/insomnia) - [Job-Related Sleep Disorders (7)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/job-related-sleep-disorders) - [Kids and Sleep (20)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/kids-and-sleep) - [Narcolepsy (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/narcolepsy) - [Preparing for your sleep study (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/preparing-for-your-sleep-study) - [Sex and Sleep (7)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sex-and-sleep) - [Sleep and Exercise (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-exercise) - [Sleep and Society (41)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-society) - [Sleep Apnea (60)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea) - [Sleep Business (3)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-business) - [Sleep Disorders (30)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-disorders) - [Sleep Studies (30)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-studies) - [Telemedicine (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/telemedicine) - [Treating Sleep Apnea (29)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/treating-sleep-apnea) - [Women and Sleep (14)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/women-and-sleep) ### Most viewed posts ### Recent Posts **Contact Us:** Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc. Corporate Office 17835 Ventura Blvd. Suite 300 Encino, CA 91316 Phone (877) 775-3377 Fax (877) 855-6227  [info@sleepdr.com](mailto:info@sleepdr.com) ## **Top Links:** [Frequently asked questions (FAQs) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/frequently-asked-questions)[Download Service Request Form (Rx) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/service_request_form)[Request medical records ](http://www.sleepdr.com/request-medical-records)[See a complete list of locations ](http://www.sleepdr.com/locations)[Schedule an appointment ](http://www.sleepdr.com/schedule)[Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ](http://www.sleepdr.com/sleepbetterblog)[Contact us](http://www.sleepdr.com/contact) **About Us:** Our mission is to empower sufferers of sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, to lead more fulfilling lives by improving their sleep. We believe that by caring for and educating our patients and diagnosing and treating their sleep disorders we can help them achieve better health. With 20 locations across California, we are the leading provider of in-center and in-home (HST) sleep studies, PAP therapeutic devices, and replacement PAP supplies. We are contracted with more than 300 medical groups and commercial health plans. We partner with independent physicians who are at the forefront of the field of sleep medicine and together we provide high-quality, affordable, result-oriented and patient-centric diagnostic and therapeutic sleep medicine services. We strive to make all our interactions with patients, referring physicians, coworkers, and others courteous, caring and professional and we consider each interaction with our patients as an opportunity to live up to our commitment to the highest standards of patient care.  ### Subscribe to our blog: [![Twitter link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/twitter-865437-edited.png "Twitter link")](https://twitter.com/mysleepdr)[![Facebook link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/facebook-square-750598-edited.png "Facebook link")](https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedSleepMedicine)[![LinkedIn link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/linkedin-815276-edited.png "LinkedIn link")](https://www.linkedin.com/company/advanced-sleep-medicine-services-inc) ## Original photos by Francisco Crow [www.fc-images.net](http://www.fc-images.net) All rights reserved. Our administrative offices AND sleep centers will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2016 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.