Sleep Medicine Specialist Warns: Snoring Can Lead to Breathing Interruptions
Dr. Mohamed Turki, a leading expert in sleep medicine, has cautioned that snoring may, in some individuals, cause pauses in breathing during sleep. This occurs because the muscles of the throat relax, leading to obstruction of the airways.
The condition is known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – a common and serious disorder where breathing repeatedly stops throughout the night, forcing the patient to awaken multiple times with a choking sensation.
Diagnosis & Treatment
During an interview on the television studio of the Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP) news agency, Dr. Turki explained that repeated breathing interruptions require prompt medical consultation.
- Diagnosis: Conducted through a sleep study—either polygraphy or polysomnography—to monitor breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and brain activity.
- First‑line treatment: Use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device, which keeps the airway open by delivering steady air pressure throughout the night.
Note: Not everyone who snores suffers from sleep apnea. In many cases, snoring is merely a disruptive noise that affects the comfort of family members without posing a health risk to the snorer.
Key Statistics
- Global prevalence: Approximately 40‑50 % of adults experience regular or occasional snoring.
- Age factor: The likelihood of snoring increases with age.
- Gender differences: Men are more affected (≈ 40 %) than women (≈ 24 %).
Further Reading
Read also: Sleep Medicine Specialist – Chronic Insomnia May Hide Psychological Disorders
