Yes, You Can Have Sleep Apnea and Not Snore

Loud snoring, like in a cartoon where the roof rises, is a hallmark symptom of sleep apnea. But that’s not always the case. Up to 20 percent of patients who have sleep apnea do not snore. 

At his internal medicine practice in Tarzana, California,  Samuel Fink, MD, sees this often. Patients who complain about sleeping eight hours but not feeling rested, are surprised to learn they may have sleep apnea, a disorder that repeatedly interrupts their breathing during the night. 

Here’s how he explains this condition, unofficially known as “Silent Sleep Apnea.”

Why Some People with Sleep Apnea Do Not Snore

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are more likely to snore than those with central sleep apnea (CSA. Here’s why.

Obstructive sleep apnea

OSA involves a physical blockage of the airway; a structural and mechanical issue where soft tissues in the throat collapse and narrow the airway.

Central sleep apnea

CSA occurs because the brain temporarily fails to send signals to the breathing muscles. Because there is no active attempt to force air past a narrowed, vibrating throat, these patients often do not snore. CSA is significantly less common than OSA. It’s more prevalent in patients with certain health conditions, such as congestive heart failure, chronic opioid use, or stroke.

Regardless of the type of sleep apnea, women with these conditions are less likely to snore heavily. 

Why women with sleep apnea are less likely to snore

Some of the reasons are:

• Lighter airway vibrations: Women tend to experience lighter snoring and shorter apnea events.
• Partial flow limitations: Women often experience subtle or partial upper-airway resistance and flow limitations.
• Hormonal factors: Premenstrual and premenopausal hormone levels (such as progesterone and estrogen) help maintain airway tone, thereby changing how sleep-disordered breathing manifests.

Women with sleep apnea who don’t snore loudly may not realize anything is wrong.

Non-snoring signs of sleep apnea

Apart from snoring, here are some common symptoms that suggest you may be suffering from sleep apnea.

• Extreme Daytime Fatigue
• Morning Headaches
• Frequent Night Wakings
• Mood Changes or Irritability
• Brain Fog and Memory Problems

The good news is that sleep apnea is highly treatable. 

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the severity and type of sleep apnea. Options include:

• CPAP therapy: A machine that keeps the airway open with gentle air pressure
• Oral appliances: Dental devices that reposition the jaw
• Weight management (if applicable)
• Sleeping position changes

Only in rare instances is surgery necessary.

Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and memory loss.

Don’t let poor sleep drain your energy and affect your health. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, contact Dr. Fink in Tarzana, California, today. Call the office at 818-609-0700 or use our online portal to request an appointment.