Q Are snoring and sleep apnea different things?
A Snoring is the vibrating sound made when the airway narrows, while sleep apnea is a state in which the airway is completely blocked and breathing stops for 10 seconds or more. Heavy snoring can be an early warning sign of sleep apnea.
Detailed Answer
Snoring vs. Sleep Apnea — Key Differences
Snoring is the sound produced when air passes through a narrowed airway, causing the soft palate, uvula, and other structures to vibrate. Because the airway is only partially blocked, breathing itself is maintained.
In contrast, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a phenomenon in which the airway becomes completely closed and breathing stops for 10 seconds or more. As oxygen saturation drops sharply, the brain repeatedly arouses the person from sleep to resume breathing.
- Simple snoring: breathing maintained, AHI below 5
- Mild OSA: AHI 5-15, mild daytime sleepiness
- Severe OSA: AHI 30 or higher — CPAP (positive airway pressure device) strongly recommended
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
In many cases, phlegm-dampness (damseup) has already begun to form even at the snoring stage. At Dongjedang, we recommend early evaluation if snoring becomes frequent or if you have experienced waking up after holding your breath.
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