When a Snore Is More: Obstructive Sleep Apnea

by Hunter Olstad

March 2025

Many know of a family member or friend that everyone dreads to sleep in close proximity to because they sound like a chainsaw. While snoring can be an annoyance in those situations, it can also be a sign of an underlying serious health condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

To learn more about OSA, it's critical to first discuss snoring. Researchers say snoring is common. Nearly half of adults snore occasionally while a quarter of adults snore on a regular basis. Snoring comes from the relaxation of muscles that line the path that air takes from the mouth to the lungs. When these muscles relax, this path narrows and the air that would normally flow smoothly from the mouth to the lungs now has a harder time passing through. This creates the sound of snoring.

With OSA, the airway muscles become so relaxed they collapse and actually obstruct the airway. Air motion can either stop completely, known as apnea, or become so shallow very little air moves in or out. Fortunately, the body has mechanisms that kick-start breathing again. However, when someone has OSA another apnea episode is usually right around the corner.

If breathing starts up again, what's the big deal about OSA? Well, when breathing stops, oxygen drops. Oxygen is needed for the body's tissues and organs to function properly; therefore, low oxygen is the cause of some of the symptoms associated with OSA. These symptoms can include sleepiness, morning headaches, fatigue, and the disruption of brain processes such as thinking and memory. Friends and family may notice daytime crankiness, forgetfulness, and inattentiveness. There are also safety concerns that can arise. For example, individuals with OSA that have daytime sleepiness are two to three times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident.

Repeated episodes of low oxygen in the blood can also lead to some long-term consequences, including increased blood pressure, an increased risk of heart disease, and an increased risk of stroke. It is these long-term consequences that elevate the need to address OSA.

Who is at risk for developing OSA? Increased age, obesity, a family history of OSA, and smoking are risks that can make it more likely for someone to develop OSA. Knowing these risks can help prevent the condition. For those concerned that they or someone close to them may have OSA, it's important to discuss and address those concerns. Safe and effective treatments exist – one needs only to discuss their concerns with a healthcare provider.

About the Author

Hunter Olstad is a third-year medical student at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences. After his clinical experiences in Valley City, Olstad chose to participate in the Targeted Rural Health Education (TRHE) project, a project focusing on teaching student doctors how to partner with rural newspapers to share health information. The information provided is not for diagnosis or treatment and should not be used in place of previous medical advice provided by a licensed healthcare professional.