Snoring vs. sleep apnea in Glen Allen, VA
Is your snoring harmless or a warning sign? Here's how to tell the difference, and why it matters.
Snoring is the sound of tissue vibrating in a narrowed airway; sleep apnea is when breathing actually pauses or becomes very shallow during sleep. Loud snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, and a home sleep test is how you tell them apart. Dr. Ashlee Goodman-Tabari treats both in Glen Allen.
Snoring vs. sleep apnea: what's the difference?
Snoring is a sound; sleep apnea is a pause
Snoring is the sound of air squeezing past a partly blocked airway. Sleep apnea is different, it’s when your airway collapses enough that you actually stop breathing, over and over, through the night. You can snore without having apnea, but loud, frequent snoring can be one of its clearest warning signs.
Why the difference matters
Simple snoring mainly affects sleep quality, yours and your partner’s. Sleep apnea affects your health, raising the risk of high blood pressure, heart problems, and daytime exhaustion. Since you can’t tell which one you have from the snoring alone, a simple sleep test is the only way to know for sure.
Both are treatable here
The good news is that whether you have harmless snoring or sleep apnea, we can help. A custom oral appliance can quiet snoring and treat mild to moderate apnea at the same time. We start with a sleep study so your treatment matches what’s actually going on.
What you can count on
A clear answer from a simple test
Treatment for snoring and apnea alike
Relief for you and your partner
Comfortable, custom devices
What patients ask us
How do I know if my snoring is dangerous?
You can’t tell from the snoring alone, which is why a sleep test matters. If you snore loudly, wake up tired, or a partner has seen you gasp or stop breathing, it’s worth getting checked for sleep apnea.
Can you treat snoring even if I don’t have sleep apnea?
Yes. If your sleep test shows simple snoring without apnea, a custom oral appliance can still help quiet it so you and your partner sleep better.
My partner is the one who snores. Can they be seen?
Absolutely. Many people come in because a partner noticed the snoring or heard them stop breathing. That outside observation is often the first real clue, and we welcome it.
More questions, answered
Does snoring always get worse over time?
Not always, but it can, especially with weight changes, aging, or alcohol use. Snoring that's getting louder or more frequent is worth checking, since it may signal a narrowing airway or developing sleep apnea. A simple test can tell you whether it's changing for a concerning reason.
Can women have sleep apnea even if they don't snore loudly?
Yes. Sleep apnea in women is often missed because it can show up as fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, or morning headaches rather than loud snoring. If you feel unrested despite enough sleep, it's worth getting evaluated even if snoring isn't your main symptom.
Is snoring hereditary?
It can run in families, since the traits behind it, like jaw shape, airway size, and how your soft tissue sits, are partly inherited. If snoring or sleep apnea is common in your family, it's worth paying attention to your own sleep and getting checked if symptoms show up.
Can allergies or a stuffy nose cause snoring?
Yes. Congestion from allergies, a cold, or nasal issues can narrow your airway and make you snore, sometimes only temporarily. But if your snoring is loud and happens most nights regardless of congestion, it's worth ruling out sleep apnea with a proper test.
Do I need a sleep test to tell snoring from sleep apnea?
Yes. A sleep test is the only way to know for sure whether your snoring is harmless or a sign of sleep apnea. We arrange a simple at-home test you take in your own bed, a sleep physician reads the results, and our Glen Allen team walks you through what they mean.
Related care
Ready to stop guessing about your sleep?
If you snore, wake up tired, or have been told you stop breathing at night, the first step is simple. Call us and we will get you scheduled.