Snoring and Sleep Apnea


Simply Snoring or Something More?
Snoring may be a sign that you stop breathing at times during the night. If you snore, you may know about nightly jabs in the ribs, grumbling from your bed partner, or even moving to the couch. Snoring happens when air can't flow freely through your throat. Then the noises you make can disrupt your partner's sleep or your own. You may have an unsafe condition called sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea is Serious
If you have sleep apnea, your throat becomes blocked during sleep. You stop breathing for short periods of time. You may snore loudly, then be very quiet. Or you may gasp or snort in your sleep. You may also :

  • Frequently feel drowsy during the day


  • Wake up tired, even after a full night's sleep


  • Feel very sleepy or fall asleep at the wrong time


  • Be cranky or have a short temper


  • Have problems with concentration or memory


People with sleep apnea are more likely to have other health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.






© Text Only 2001 University of Alabama School of Medicine. Copyright Information About this site. UASOM News Archive  Disclaimer
UASOM HOME UAB HOME SEARCH FEEDBACK PHONEBOOK UAB NEWS ACADEMICS HEALTH CARE RESEARCH INSIDE UAB Return to UASOM Home