If you share a bed with someone who snores, you already know how disruptive it can be. But did you know that snoring isn’t just an annoying sound? In many cases, it’s a warning sign of something much more serious: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). At BreatheWorks, we believe understanding the facts could save a life—and your relationship.
Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnea: What’s the Connection?
- Up to 90% of people with OSA snore—but not all snorers have OSA. However, loud, habitual snoring (especially when paired with choking, gasping, or pauses in breathing) is the #1 red flag for undiagnosed sleep apnea.
(Sleep Foundation, AASM) - OSA affects an estimated 25 million Americans, and nearly 80% of cases are undiagnosed—most often discovered by a partner, not the person snoring.
(American Sleep Apnea Association, NIH)
Why Snoring Is a Health Warning—Not Just a Nuisance
Snoring from airway collapse isn’t benign. Each “snore” is a sign of airflow turbulence, partial airway blockage, and (sometimes) full pauses in breathing. The body jolts awake briefly to reopen the airway, often without the snorer realizing it.
Risks of Untreated Snoring and OSA
- Increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
- 2–3 times higher risk of Type 2 diabetes.
- Higher rates of depression, anxiety, and relationship stress.
- Memory loss, mood changes, and daytime fatigue.
- Reduced immune function and increased risk for accidents.
One large study found that untreated OSA can shorten life expectancy by up to 10 years (Circulation, 2018).
How to Tell If Snoring Is a Sign of Something Serious
Ask yourself:
- Does your partner snore loudly and regularly?
- Do you hear pauses, choking, or gasping for breath during sleep?
- Is your partner excessively tired during the day or falling asleep easily?
- Does your partner complain of morning headaches, irritability, or forgetfulness?
- Has their mood or energy changed for the worse over time?
If you answered “yes” to two or more, it’s time to take snoring seriously.
The Impact on Relationships
- Bed partners lose an average of one hour of sleep per night due to a partner’s snoring (Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 2020). Chronic sleep deprivation affects intimacy, communication, and overall wellbeing.
- Many couples end up “sleep divorcing”—sleeping in separate rooms—due to persistent snoring.
How BreatheWorks Can Help
At BreatheWorks, we specialize in identifying and treating the root causes of snoring and sleep-disordered breathing. Our expert team offers comprehensive airway evaluations and evidence-based therapy designed to help your partner (and you) finally get the restorative sleep you both deserve.
Don’t ignore the warning signs. Snoring may be your body’s way of asking for help. Connect with BreatheWorks today to schedule an assessment—and protect your partner’s health, and your sleep, for years to come.
