03/09/2026
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are not the same.
Snoring occurs when tissues in the upper airway vibrate during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnoea, or OSA, occurs when breathing repeatedly reduces or stops because the airway becomes blocked.
Possible signs may include:
• Loud, habitual snoring
• Witnessed pauses in breathing
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Unrefreshing sleep
• Morning headaches
• Daytime sleepiness
These symptoms do not confirm OSA on their own. A medical assessment and sometimes a sleep study is needed to establish the diagnosis and severity.
An oral and maxillofacial assessment may be relevant when jaw position, facial structure or an oral appliance forms part of the treatment discussion. Care is often coordinated with sleep physicians, ENT specialists, dentists or orthodontists.
If you or someone close to you has noticed persistent symptoms, speak with a healthcare professional about an appropriate assessment.
This information is general and does not replace an individual clinical assessment.
