
When the muscles relax, the airway narrows or closes as you breathe in. The muscles also support the tongue and side walls of the throat. These muscles support the back of the roof of the mouth, known as the soft palate. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much to allow for proper breathing. Excessive daytime drowsiness may be due to other disorders, such as narcolepsy. Snoring may be loudest - and breath pauses known as apneas may be more common - when you sleep on your back.Īsk your health care team about any sleep problem that leaves you fatigued, sleepy and irritable on a regular basis. Snoring doesn't necessarily indicate something potentially serious, and not everyone who snores has obstructive sleep apnea.īe sure to talk to a member of your health care team if you snore loudly, especially if your snoring is interrupted by periods of silence. This may cause you to fall asleep while working, watching television or even driving a vehicle.


Waking during the night and gasping or choking.

