Are You Snoring Your Way to Wrecking Your Health?

Do you snore at night or know someone who does? While snoring might seem harmless, it can sometimes point to a serious health problem.

Learning the signs and getting help early can protect your sleep—and your health.

Bill Yohnka didn’t think his sleep problems were serious, assumed his snoring was just a minor issue. But everything changed during a vacation with friends when they noticed something was wrong and encouraged him to get checked out. That moment pushed him to visit his doctor and ask for a referral to a sleep specialist.

The doctor helped him think about his health in a new way, especially as he looked ahead to the next stage of life. That conversation led to a plan. Over the next few months, Yohnka began taking real steps toward better sleep. First, he completed an at-home sleep study. Then, he had a more detailed one. Although he felt nervous at first, the experience turned out to be much better than expected. Yohnka was surprised by how comfortable he felt during the sleep study, even while hooked up to wires.

He now encourages others not to ignore their sleep issues. Yohnka admits he once hoped the problem would fix itself, but it didn’t. Putting an appointment on the calendar gave him peace of mind and the start of change. That simple step helped him feel like he was finally doing something about it. Looking back, Yohnka realized how easy it was to let poor sleep become the norm. It took others noticing his struggles for him to make a change.

Now, after getting the help he needed, he feels hopeful and energized again. He urges anyone dealing with sleep issues to take that first step—because no one should have to live with poor sleep.

When Snoring Becomes a Problem

Snoring might seem harmless, but it can be a sign of a serious health issue. While almost everyone snores occasionally — even babies — loud and frequent snoring could point to a condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This happens when your airway gets blocked during sleep, causing you to stop breathing for short periods. These breathing pauses can happen dozens or even hundreds of times a night.

People who snore may notice more than just noise at night. They might toss and turn, wake up with a dry throat or headaches, and feel exhausted during the day. Some even struggle to concentrate or feel moody. In children, snoring can lead to poor attention, behavior problems, or trouble in school. If your snoring is loud enough to disturb your partner or you wake up gasping or choking, that’s a red flag.

Several things can lead to snoring, and it is more common as people age or if they’re male. Other causes include nasal congestion, having a large tongue or tonsils, or a deviated septum. Drinking alcohol or taking sedatives before bed can also make it worse. People who are overweight or have obesity are at a higher risk, too.

Doctors may do a physical exam or ask questions about your sleep habits. If they suspect sleep apnea, they may order a sleep study. This test checks your breathing, heart rate, brain activity, and movements during sleep. It also records how often you stop breathing or snore.

One of the biggest dangers linked to chronic snoring is the risk to your heart. Obstructive sleep apnea has been tied to serious health problems like high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. During apnea episodes, oxygen levels drop, which triggers stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisone to surge, which can strain the heart. These hormonal changes may lead to heart rhythm problems, worsen heart failure, or even cause sudden death.

Snoring doesn’t always mean you have sleep apnea, but it’s one of the main symptoms. People with sleep apnea often feel tired during the day, doze off while watching TV or even while driving, and may choke or wake up suddenly during sleep. They may also have acid reflux, sore throats in the morning, or headaches.

Even though OSA used to be seen mostly in people who are obese, it’s now clear that many other groups are affected. This includes people with heart failure, diabetes, or those who drink alcohol regularly. It’s also more common in people over 50 and in men.

The Final Take

Snoring might not seem like a big deal, but it can be a sign that something deeper is going on with your health. If you're always tired, waking up with headaches, or feeling foggy during the day, don’t ignore it.

Talk to a doctor, ask for help, and take that first step. There are options that can make a real difference. A good night’s sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s something your body depends on to stay strong, sharp, and healthy.