Simple Snoring or Sleep Apnea? Here's How to Tell the Difference

Ever been told you snore like a freight train? It might seem harmless—or just annoying—but sometimes snoring is a red flag for a more serious issue: sleep apnea. 

Sleep plays a critical role in your overall health, and untreated sleep apnea doesn't just cause fatigue—it can increase your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and more. 

Fortunately, help is available, and it all starts with knowing the signs. 

We spoke with Archbold Primary Care physician Dr. Jackson Hatfield, MD, to better understand what sets sleep apnea apart from simple snoring—and what you should do if you're concerned. 

What Causes Snoring? 

Snoring happens when air can't move freely through your nose and throat during sleep. The soft tissues in your airway vibrate as you breathe, creating that all-too-familiar sound. 

"Snoring is incredibly common and usually harmless," said Dr. Hatfield. "It's often worse when people sleep on their backs or after consuming alcohol, but it can also be linked to nasal congestion or being overweight."

Still, just because snoring is common doesn't mean it should be ignored, especially if it's loud, frequent, or accompanied by other symptoms. 

The Red Flags of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops repeatedly throughout the night. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep. 

"Unlike occasional snoring, sleep apnea interrupts oxygen flow to the body and brain," explains Dr. Hatfield. "These breathing pauses can happen dozens or even hundreds of times a night. The scary part is most people don't even realize it's happening."

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include: 

• Loud, chronic snoring
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Waking up frequently or feeling unrested
• Morning headaches
• Daytime fatigue or trouble concentrating
• Mood changes or irritability

If you or a loved one notices these symptoms, it's time to talk to your doctor. 

Why It Matters: The Health Risks of Sleep Apnea

Left untreated, sleep apnea can do more than leave you feeling groggy—it can put serious, long-term strain on your body. Because the sleep apnea causes repeated drops in oxygen levels during the night, your heart and other organs have to work harder just to keep up. Over time, this constant stress can lead to a range of health problems. 

Sleep apnea has been linked to increased risk for: 

• High blood pressure (hypertension): The constant start-and-stop pattern of breathing can cause your high blood pressure to spike throughout the night, and over time, contribute to chronic hypertension. 
   
• Heart disease: People with sleep apnea are more likely to experience irregular heart rhythms, heart attacks, and even heart failure due to the added pressure on the cardiovascular system. 
   
• Stroke: Reduce oxygen levels and disrupted sleep can raise your risk of stroke, especially in people who already have other risk factors. 
   
• Type 2 diabetes: Poor sleep quality affects how your body processes glucose, making it harder to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. 
   
• Weight gain and obesity: Fatigue can interfere with your metabolism and appetite-regulating hormones, which may lead to weight gain, creating a vicious cycle, since excess weight is a risk factor for sleep apnea. 
   
• Mental health challenges: Interrupted sleep doesn't just affect your body—it takes a toll on your mind. People with sleep apnea often report symptoms of anxiety, depression, irritability, and poor concentration. 
   
• Daytime accidents: Sleep apnea impairs your ability to stay alert. That's why those with untreated sleep apnea are at a higher risk for car crashes and work-related injuries. 

"Sleep apnea can be easy to overlook, but the health risks are very real," said Dr. Hatfield. "Treating it early can dramatically improve your quality of life—and potentially prevent life-threatening complications down the road."

Getting a Diagnosis: What to Expect

The first step is scheduling a visit with your primary care provider. If sleep apnea is suspected, you may be referred for a sleep study, which can be done at home or in a sleep center lab. 

"These studies measure things like oxygen levels, heart rate, and how many times you stop breathing," said Dr. Hatfield. "They give use the data we need to make a diagnosis and recommend the best treatment."

Treatment Options that Help You Breathe Easier

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, don't worry—there are highly effective treatment options. 

"CPAP therapy is one of the most common and reliable treatments," Dr. Hatfield said. "It delivers a steady stream of air through a mask to keep your airway open while you sleep."

Other options may include weight loss, positional therapy, oral appliances, or surgical interventions in more severe cases.

Don't Sleep on This: Talk to Your Doctor

If you're struggling with snoring, poor sleep, or any of the symptoms mentioned above, it's time to get help. 

"Many people live with sleep apnea for years without knowing it," said Dr. Hatfield. "But once it's treated, they're amazed at how much better they feel—physically, mentally, and emotionally."

Archbold's network of primary care physicians and specialists can guide you through diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management. 

Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Jackson Hatfield or another trusted provider at Archbold Primary Care in Thomasville or one of our clinics across South Georgia.