Snoring

Alternative names:

loud breathing during sleep

Home care:

Weight loss can sometimes greatly reduce snoring. If snoring is a result of too much alcohol or sedation at bedtime, then reduce consumption or cut it out altogether. Avoid sleeping flat on the back; sleep on the side if possible.

Call your health care provider if:

• there is excessive daytime somnolence.
• episodes of no breathing (apnea) accompany snoring.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting snoring in detail may include:

• quality
  • Is it loud?
  • Does it occur when the person is in any position?
  • Does it occur only when they are in a particular position?
  • Is the snoring irregular?
  • Can the snoring be heard by the person who snores (that is, does the sound of their snoring cause them to wake up)?

• time pattern
  • Does it occur every night?
  • How often does snoring occur?
  • Is snoring persistent during the night?
  • Does the person snore 1 or 2 times per minute during snoring episodes?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?
  • Is there a period of breath holding?
  • Are there episodes of not breathing?
  • Does the person have headaches?
  • Does the person have difficulty sleeping?

The physical examination may include an investigation into sleep patterns. Referral to a sleep specialist (for sleep studies) may be indicated.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to snoring to your personal medical record.