Does obstructive sleep apnoea cause snoring?

During obstructive sleep apnoea, the upper airway narrows or closes repeatedly while a person sleeps. Air moving through the narrowed passage can make the tissues of the throat vibrate, producing snoring. Breathing pauses, gasping, restless sleep, morning headaches, dry mouth and daytime sleepiness can occur as well. Some people snore without having apnoea, so the sound itself cannot show whether breathing is stopping.

Ask someone who shares your room whether they notice pauses, choking or sudden gasps during sleep. Keep a note of loud snoring, tiredness and morning symptoms, and arrange a primary-care assessment if these are persistent. A clinician may review your health and recommend a sleep assessment. Avoid alcohol close to bedtime and follow advice about sleep position or nasal symptoms while you wait.

Seek prompt medical advice for repeated witnessed breathing pauses, choking during sleep, severe daytime sleepiness, or falling asleep while driving. Get urgent help for severe breathing difficulty while awake, chest pain, fainting or confusion. Do not drive if sleepiness makes it difficult to stay alert.

Could my snoring and daytime tiredness warrant a sleep assessment? What symptoms should my sleeping partner watch for? Could medicines, nasal blockage or alcohol be worsening the noise?