Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 12: Snoring is often treated as a harmless habit and even joked about within families. However, doctors caution that persistent or unusually loud snoring may be a warning sign of a serious sleep disorder that should not be ignored.

According to leading ENT specialist Vikas Agrawal, nearly 40 per cent of men in their 40s tend to snore, and in many cases it may not indicate a major problem. “However, people need to watch for certain warning signs that suggest it may be more than simple snoring,” he said.

One of the most common conditions linked to problematic snoring is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Many people remain unaware of the condition because the interruptions occur while they are asleep.

Doctors say symptoms such as very loud snoring, sudden pauses in breathing during sleep followed by gasping or choking, waking up unrefreshed despite a full night’s rest, morning headaches and excessive daytime fatigue may indicate OSA. In some cases, uncontrolled blood pressure or poorly managed diabetes may also be linked to the disorder.

Medical experts warn that untreated sleep apnea can have serious long-term consequences. Apart from affecting quality of life, the condition is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and diabetes. Excessive daytime sleepiness caused by sleep apnea can also increase the risk of road traffic accidents due to reduced alertness.

Sleep apnea may also impact personal relationships and overall wellbeing, with doctors noting links to conditions such as erectile dysfunction, irritability and metabolic problems. Poor sleep can also trigger unhealthy eating habits, leading to weight gain that further worsens the condition.

Doctors also emphasise that snoring in children should never be considered normal. In many cases, enlarged tonsils or adenoids may cause breathing problems during sleep. Children with sleep apnea may show symptoms such as hyperactivity, poor concentration, restlessness or bedwetting.

Experts say diagnosis of sleep apnea has become easier with modern testing methods such as sleep studies, CT scans and sleep endoscopy. Home sleep studies are also available in India at relatively low cost and can help identify abnormal sleep patterns.

Treatment depends on the severity and cause of the condition. In mild to moderate cases, doctors may treat nasal blockages, sinus problems or structural issues such as a deviated septum through minimally invasive procedures. Dental treatments may also help in some cases.

For severe sleep apnea, the most commonly recommended therapy is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, which delivers a steady flow of air through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep.

Doctors stress that early diagnosis and timely treatment can significantly reduce the risk of serious health complications. While occasional snoring may not be a cause for concern, persistent snoring accompanied by disturbed sleep should always be medically evaluated.