Disturbed Sleep Snoring can damage more than other people's nerves. Years of snoring damages the muscles of the throat. The muscles are stretched by the vibrations of loud snoring. This damage can lead to a condition called sleep apnea, in which collapsed throat muscles temporarily block the airway during sleep, causing breathing to stop momentarily. The snorer's sleep is disrupted until he starts breathing again, although he may not even be aware that such a disruption has occurred.
Sleep apnea can lead to increased risk for heart disease and high blood pressure.
Because sleep is interrupted, snorers also may suffer from daytime drowsiness, which could to lead to accidents. Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say snoring often can be eased by losing weight and avoiding alcohol before bedtime. You're also less likely to snore if you don't sleep on your back. For patients with mild sleep apnea, one effective treatment is called continuous positive airway pressure. In this treatment, air is delivered through the nose so that the airway stays open during sleep.