Snoring

Call your doctor if you or your bed partner:

• Snores loudly and heavily.
• Snores and feels sleepy during the day.
• Snores and falls asleep at inappropriate times, such as when talking or while eating.
• Stops breathing, gasps, or chokes during sleep.

Snoring is the main symptom of Reference sleep apnea Opens New Window, a potentially serious sleep disorder in which you periodically stop breathing during sleep. For more information, see the topic Reference Sleep Apnea.

Watchful waiting

Watchful waiting is a period of time during which you and your doctor observe your symptoms or condition without using medical treatment. Watchful waiting may be appropriate if your snoring doesn't disturb your bed partner or if you aren't overly sleepy during the day. If home treatment doesn't help your snoring, contact your doctor.

Watchful waiting may not be appropriate if you or your sleeping partner snores loudly and heavily, is restless during sleep, is sleepy during the day, or stops breathing when sleeping. These may point to sleep apnea. Contact your doctor.

Who to see

Health professionals who can treat snoring include:

• Reference General practitioners Opens New Window or primary care physicians.
• Reference Internists Opens New Window.
• Reference Sleep disorder specialists Opens New Window.
• Reference Pediatricians Opens New Window.
• Reference Nurse practitioners Opens New Window.
• Reference Physician assistants Opens New Window.
• Reference Otolaryngologists Opens New Window.

If sleep apnea is suspected, a doctor who specializes in treating sleep disorders (often a Reference neurologist Opens New Window or Reference pulmonologist Opens New Window) can help set up tests to diagnose sleep apnea. If your doctor recommends an Reference oral breathing device, you may be referred to a dentist.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Reference Making the Most of Your Appointment.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.