Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Common ENT-related sleep disorders ranging from primary snoring to obstructive sleep apnea.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board

Last updated: June 11, 2026

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department. Book Appointment →

What is Snoring and Sleep Apnea?

Snoring is sound generated by vibration of soft palatal and oropharyngeal tissues during airflow through a narrowed upper airway. Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by repetitive partial (hypopnea) or complete (apnea) airway collapse during sleep.

Diagnosis is established by polysomnography; severity is graded by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). Anatomical contributors include nasal obstruction, retroposition of the tongue, soft palate redundancy and tonsillar hypertrophy.

Untreated OSA is associated with daytime sleepiness, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, type 2 diabetes, stroke and motor vehicle accidents.

Symptoms

Loud habitual snoring

Witnessed apneas during sleep

Choking or gasping at night

Excessive daytime sleepiness

Morning headache

Non-restorative sleep

Difficulty concentrating

Nocturia

Risk Factors

Obesity and increased neck circumference

Male sex and postmenopausal status

Craniofacial abnormalities (retrognathia)

Tonsil and adenoid hypertrophy

Nasal septal deviation

Alcohol and sedative use

Smoking

Family history

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

Loud snoring with witnessed apneas
Persistent daytime fatigue and sleepiness
Resistant hypertension
Unexplained nocturnal arrhythmia
Suspicious symptoms in commercial drivers
Recurrent morning headache

Treatment Methods

Weight loss and lifestyle modification

CPAP therapy (gold standard)

Mandibular advancement device

Positional therapy

Septoplasty and turbinate reduction

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation

Tonsillectomy where indicated

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.