Snoring is something many families get used to, but loud or frequent snoring can be a sign of a deeper problem called sleep apnea. While snoring simply means airflow is partially blocked, sleep apnea involves repeated pauses in breathing through the night. This affects oxygen levels, sleep quality and daytime energy, even if the person doesn’t realize it.

People with sleep apnea often wake up feeling tired, experience morning headaches or find it difficult to focus during the day. In the long run, untreated sleep apnea can increase risks for blood pressure, heart disease and other health issues. A sleep study is the most reliable way to determine whether snoring is harmless or something that needs medical attention.

Warning signs to look out for:

• Loud snoring with choking or gasping

• Feeling tired despite “sleeping” all night

• Morning headaches or dry mouth

• Disturbed sleep or frequent wake-ups

• Excessive daytime sleepiness

Identifying the problem early helps in choosing the right treatment—whether lifestyle changes, nasal treatment, CPAP therapy or corrective surgery.